Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has expressed his gratitude for the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to Manila. Marcos emphasized the importance of ongoing communication between the two countries to effectively respond to the issues in the South China Sea. Since taking office in 2022, Marcos has strengthened the ties between the Philippines and the United States. The meeting between Marcos, Blinken, and Austin at the Malacanang Palace marked a significant event as it was the first "2+2" meeting hosted by Manila. The discussions focused on the strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in the context of the geopolitical challenges in the West Philippine Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Blinken commended the continuous high-level engagements between the US and the Philippines, highlighting the strong partnership and cooperation between the two countries. The Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian nations, has territorial claims in the South China Sea, leading to escalating tensions with China, which asserts dominance over the region. Recent incidents, such as the confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal and the agreement between the Philippines and China, underscore the complexities of the maritime disputes. The US officials reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law in the region and supporting the Philippines under the Mutual Defence Treaty. The visit of Blinken and Austin to Manila followed engagements in Japan, where they emphasized the strategic importance of the US allies in the region. The US officials also pledged financial and military support to strengthen the defense capabilities of Asian Pacific countries in response to China's assertive actions. The ongoing discussions between the US and the Philippines on various agreements, including military financing and infrastructure improvements, demonstrate the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations. As tensions in the region continue to escalate, the alliance between the US and the Philippines plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.