Amid mounting worries about China's 'destabilizing actions' in the South China Sea, the Philippines and the United States have pledged to enhance their defense ties and explore new partnerships with allies in the region.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo held a meeting on Monday, June 9 (US time) to discuss these issues.

During the meeting, both officials emphasized the crucial role of the US-Philippines Alliance in upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific region, according to State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce.

They committed to strengthening cooperation to address China's destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and to boost economic collaboration for the mutual benefit of American and Filipino citizens. Additionally, they pledged to explore new opportunities for cooperation with regional allies and partners, including trilaterally with Japan through the Luzon Economic Corridor.

In a separate statement, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza mentioned that the two secretaries are optimistic about the positive outcome of high-level talks between their economic managers regarding the US' reciprocal tariffs. They also highlighted the significance of enhancing economic relations to bolster the enduring Philippines-US alliance and overall security.

The DFA confirmed that both parties reaffirmed the importance of ongoing defense and security cooperation, especially in supporting the Philippines' defense modernization efforts.

Rubio and Manalo also acknowledged recent positive developments such as the Joint Vision Statement of the Philippine and US Defense Secretaries on enhancing defense industrial cooperation, US offers of foreign military sales to meet Philippine requirements, and the successful conduct of the latest Balikatan exercises.

This meeting marked the third interaction between Rubio and Manalo, with Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez also in attendance. They previously had a phone conversation after US President Donald Trump's inauguration in January and met during the Munich Security Conference last February.

Despite the 'America First' policy of the Trump administration, the United States reiterated its commitment to the defense alliance with the Philippines in light of China's continued encroachment in the resource-rich South China Sea.

The two countries are collaborating with Japan in trilateral cooperation and have welcomed the interest of Australia and other nations in participating in maritime and military exercises.

In addition to Rubio, Manalo is scheduled to meet with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN in New York Antonio Lagdameo.