Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Ms. Sabrina Singh provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met today with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila. The three officials underscored the historic strength of the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, which both countries are expanding and modernizing in support of a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Secretary Austin and Secretary Blinken reaffirmed U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights, and the two officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate - safely and responsibly - wherever international law allows.

The officials discussed ways to continue working more closely with like-minded nations, like Australia and Japan, to strengthen shared principles, including rule of law, freedom of the seas, and respect for territorial sovereignty.

The meeting between the three officials reaffirmed the United States and the Philippines' enduring commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity, and stability to the Indo-Pacific region.