Philippines Reaffirms US Alliance as Mutual Defense Treaty Marks 75 Years
Manila, The Gulf Observer: The Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to its longstanding defense alliance with the United States as the two countries marked the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) on Sunday.
In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) described the MDT as a cornerstone of the Philippines’ and the United States’ shared commitment to peace, stability and the defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The DND said the alliance has evolved in response to an increasingly complex regional security environment, with cooperation expanding across bilateral and multilateral military exercises, operational coordination, defense capability development, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
According to the department, these efforts have enhanced interoperability, strengthened deterrence and demonstrated the two countries’ collective commitment to regional security and stability.
The Philippines and the United States signed the MDT on August 30, 1951, establishing the framework for their longstanding defense partnership.
The treaty has subsequently been complemented by other bilateral defense arrangements, including the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The alliance has assumed increased importance amid growing regional security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea, where tensions between Manila and Beijing have continued.
At the same time, the Philippines has accelerated the modernization of its armed forces and efforts to strengthen its external defense capabilities.
The DND said Manila and Washington remain committed to developing a “more sustainable, agile, and productive partnership” based on mutual respect, shared interests and international law.
It added that the two countries would continue working to promote a rules-based international order, protect freedom of navigation, strengthen regional resilience and ensure that the alliance contributes to peace, security and prosperity.
AFP Reaffirms Defense Partnership
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) separately reaffirmed that the MDT remains a cornerstone of the Philippine-American defense and security partnership.
The AFP highlighted military exercises, maritime security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and other defense engagements as key areas of continuing cooperation between the two armed forces.
“As we mark this milestone, the AFP reaffirms its commitment to further strengthen the alliance, enhance our defense capabilities and interoperability, and contribute to a free, open, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific,” the AFP said.
The 75th anniversary underscores the enduring nature of the Philippines-US defense partnership as both countries seek to strengthen cooperation in response to evolving regional security challenges.
