Visiting United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underlined the importance of deterrence in the middle of threats in the South China Sea.

”As we’ve talked about, peace through strength is a very real thing. deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese,” Hegseth made the remark as he paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

”Friends need to stand shoulder to shoulder to deter conflict to ensure that there’s free navigation, whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognize that your country has stand very firm in that location and in defense of your nation,” Hegseth added.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun expressed concern via statement warning that any defense agreements between the Philippines and the US should not target other countries or threaten their interests.

Jiakun also urged the Philippines to avoid acting as a mouthpiece for other nations and to refrain from utilizing these relations for personal political purposes.