Pete Hegseth: Deterrence necessary in South China Sea

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored Friday the importance of deterrence amid threats in the South China Sea.

Hegseth made the remark as he paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. in Malacañang. 

The American official said the US recognizes the Philippines' rights in the region.

''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 told Marcos.

''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,'' he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos welcomed the US official, saying that his visit was a strong indication of the commitment of both nations to work together in maintaining peace in the Indo Pacific region.

''I know the work that we will do in the time that you have here, brief as it is, in the Philippines will be extremely productive and very very important for us as we chart our way into the future, considering how complicated geopolitics has become,'' Marcos said.

After meeting with Marcos, Hegseth and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro are set to discuss strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines and interoperability, which is the mantra of the Trump administration.

China concerns

China earlier expressed concerns via a statement from its Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, warning that any defense agreements between the Philippines and the US should not target other countries or threaten their interests.

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

In response, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the Philippines is no one’s chess piece, adding that ''we are an independent country.'' — RSJ, GMA Integrated News