Manalo, Rubio meet in Washington to strengthen PH-US alliance amid WPS tensions
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio exchange pleasantries during their meeting in Washington, DC on June 9, 2025. US State Department
NEW YORK - The Philippines and the United States once again reaffirmed their strong alliance as the foundation of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, along with a commitment to further expand security and economic cooperation amid China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
In a meeting held in Washington, DC, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the escalating challenges caused by China's provocative actions in the disputed islands of the West Philippine Sea.
Both leaders emphasized their firm stance on upholding international law and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.
Manalo is currently on a working visit to the US. He was accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez during the meeting with Rubio.
In addition to security matters, Manalo and Rubio agreed to strengthen economic ties to deliver tangible benefits to the citizens of both countries.
The meeting also explored the possibility of new projects for regional cooperation, particularly trilateral initiatives involving Japan, such as the Luzon Economic Corridor — a major infrastructure and trade project aimed at enhancing the economic connectivity of the Philippines and the entire Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting also marked a step forward in the ongoing growth of US-Philippine relations, focusing not only on security but also on reinforcing economic resilience and peace in the region.
This reaffirmation of the alliance comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where Philippine maritime vessels have repeatedly been blocked and harassed by Chinese ships within Manila's exclusive economic zone. —KG, GMA Integrated News
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