The Philippines and the United States announced the creation of 'Task Force Philippines' to counter China's coercive behavior in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea. The defense secretaries revealed this in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. The initiative aims to enhance defense cooperation and deterrence.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. of the Philippines and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met for the fourth time this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit. They announced 'Task Force Philippines' as a step to address threats from China. However, they did not disclose details on operations, assets, or the start date of the new unit.
Hegseth stated: 'It bears repeating that that mutual defense treaty is critical for both of our countries, either of our forces anywhere in the South China Sea, it is applicable. We don’t seek confrontation, but of course, we’re ready to protect our interests, individually and mutually.' He added: 'And that’s why we’re publicly announcing the Task Force Philippines here with you today, which will be another step in our cooperation.'
Teodoro noted that Hegseth's remarks encapsulate the 'vast amounts of work that both our governments, our leaderships and our people have put into strengthening the US-Philippine alliance.' He emphasized: 'The US-Philippine alliance should not be seen in isolation, because the alliance and moving forward now are based on fundamentals. These fundamentals are respect for international law, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.'
In a related development, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged ASEAN and China to finalize the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea next year in Manila. President Marcos also expressed hope that it would be signed during the upcoming ASEAN Summit. Additionally, the Philippines and Malaysia reaffirmed their defense partnership in a meeting between Teodoro and Malaysian Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, where they discussed preparations for the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairmanship and a Trilateral Ministerial Meeting with Indonesia next year.