US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to Visit Philippines Amid Rising Tensions in South China Sea:

The US Defense Secretary Hegseth is expected in The Philippines for discussions, which will form part of a two-day visit to The Philippines on March 28-29. He will meet with his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, along with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in an attempt to formulate measures to combat the aggressive actions of China in the South China Sea and ensure the provision of “increased aid” to Philippine security forces by former President Trump.

On Friday, a Philippine official confirmed that Hegseth’s first Asian trip this year will begin with him traveling The Philippines, the first of several stops he has planned in Asia, where he will be looking to discuss the measures that will enhance the Philippine’s assertiveness against territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Later in the week, a Pentagon spokesperson shared Hegseth's expected itinerary in the US, which will start in Hawaii for a meeting with civilians and the military, then travel to Guam for a tour of the American military sights before heading to the Philippines and Japan

Hegseth would 'promote security goals while working with Philippine officials and coordinate with US and Philippine troops.' In Japan, he would participate in the 80th anniversary commemoration of the battle of Iwo Jima while also meeting Japanese and American militaries, Parnell said, adding that 'that as always, the secretary looks forward to some great PT (physical training) with the troops!' 'These activities will fuel the continuing work to strengthen our alliances and partnerships towards a common goal for a free and open Indo-Pacific,' he stated. This comes as 'the United States deepens unprecedented collaboration with friendly countries to bolster regional security.' Through the lens of the “America First” foreign policy strategy Trump's has put into motion, his coming to office realistically posed a challenge for many as uncertainty looms over US's involvement and investment in the particular area for the duration of the new term.

“It's a powerful warning to China on the solid relations between the US and the Philippines,” Romualdez remarked about Hegseth's planned trip.

Claiming almost the entirety of the South China Sea, which is immensely vital for security and international trade, is China’s prerogative. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also stake competing claims over the crowded and resourceful waters. However, clashes have heightened in recent years between Chinese vessels and the coast guard and naval forces of the Philippines over the last two years. The claims of China are over much of the water and area to expand trade routes and trade further. This area increases the worth of a nation and allows China to stake claims over it.

During his first conversation with Teodoro last month, Hegseth “restated the unwavering United States assurance to the Mutual Defence Treaty, signed in nineteen fifty and its significance towards a stable and thriving Indo-Pacific region,” he said according to the prior statement which was presented by Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot after the February 5 call.

“Ullyot said the leaders talked about the necessity of restoring deterrence in the South China Sea, which includes collaboration with other allies and partners.” “They also talked about improving the capability and the strength of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” After the intense engagement of confrontations between the forces of China and the Philippines over the contested waters, the prior administration of Biden had strongly suggested that the US has a responsibility to assist in protecting these nations if the Treaty is violated.

Beijing has countered warns right Washington not to meddle into what it terms as an Asian squabble, and specifically refrain from actions that could harm peace and stability in the region.

Hegseth visits the Philippines a month before the two traditional treaty partners conduct their biggest yearly military training program which is known as the Balikatan, which in Tagalog means shoulder to shoulder, and is now complemented with live firing exercises aimed at the South China Sea and the maritime boundary between the Philippines and Taiwan.

Taiwan is a self-governed island that is under threat of annexation by China, which claims it as one of its provinces.