U.S.-Philippines alliance

In previewing the drills, military officials mentioned not only the disputed waterway but also the potential deterrent effect in the Taiwan Strait.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pledged to bolster Manila's capacity to push back against Beijing's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Manila seems set to remain a priority partner for Washington, despite the Trump administration's radical foreign policy changes.

Can the Philippines play a role in convening regional discussions aimed at upholding a rules-based order?

The most crucial question remains: How to deter China?

There are early signs that the country's relations with the U.S. will survive the ongoing ructions in Washington, D.C.

Trump’s regional policy is likely to focus on U.S. military engagement to counter China. The Philippines thus may become a linchpin in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

The Typhon intermediate-range missile system has been present in the country since joint military drills in April 2024.

Donald Trump's impending return to the White House has stirred up questions about the future of Washington's support for the Philippines.

The pact could allow the Philippines to access more sophisticated weapons systems from its long-standing security ally.

The Philippine military said three Chinese navy ships “tailed” the four-nation maneuvers off the western coast of the Philippines.

The announcement caps off two years that have seen a considerable strategic convergence between the two long-standing allies.