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Current Affairs

As US marks 75 years of defence pact with Philippines, can it stay the course?

The Philippines and the United States are marking the 75th anniversary of their defence alliance with a renewed pledge to step up joint drills as…

By Samantha Johnson / August 10, 2026
The Philippines and the United States are marking the 75th anniversary of their defence alliance with a renewed pledge to step up joint drills as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to simmer.

While the allies are moving towards more frequent planning for maritime security cooperation and deterrence, there are still questions about Washington’s long-term commitment towards the security of the Philippines and the broader region, according to analysts.

At an annual meeting to strengthen security engagement in Manila on Saturday, Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Antonio Nafarrete reaffirmed their commitment to the mutual defence treaty signed in 1951 and signed a memorandum to map out the next phase of cooperation.

While Paparo and Nafarrete did not disclose details, US Pacific Command said the plans included expanding on large-scale military exercises and specialist exchanges.

In recent years, the US and the Philippines have taken part in joint and multilateral military drills with partners such as Japan, Australia and New Zealand, including in contested waters near the Southeast Asian country.

US Indo-Pacific Command commander, Admiral Samuel Paparo, speaks at a media conference in Baguio, Philippines, in 2024. Photo: AP
US Indo-Pacific Command commander, Admiral Samuel Paparo, speaks at a media conference in Baguio, Philippines, in 2024. Photo: AP

Expanding ties with other allies

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