Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff | Official Website
Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. welcomed United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III during his visit to the Philippines on November 18, 2024. The meeting marked Austin's fourth visit to the country and focused on expanding and modernizing the alliance between the two nations.
Secretary Austin announced that the U.S. would provide $1 million in additional humanitarian assistance through USAID to support the Philippines' response to Super Typhoon Pepito.
The leaders discussed defense cooperation and regional security concerns, emphasizing deeper coordination in addressing challenges in the South China Sea. They highlighted incidents where lawful operations by the Philippines faced harassment from China. Secretary Austin reiterated U.S. support for Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
At Camp Aguinaldo, Secretary Austin and Secretary Teodoro signed a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to enhance information sharing and interoperability. They also co-led a groundbreaking ceremony for a new bilateral Combined Coordination Center (CCC), aimed at improving joint planning for exercises, operations, and humanitarian responses in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit, Secretary Austin traveled to Palawan on November 19, 2024, visiting Antonio Bautista Airbase and WESCOM, which leads efforts in the South China Sea. Discussions included advancing operational planning and enhancing cooperation with partners in the region. He reaffirmed U.S. commitment under the Mutual Defense Treaty covering armed forces, vessels, and aircraft of both countries anywhere in the South China Sea.
The leaders also visited a bilateral C2 Fusion Center built by USINDOPACOM to improve information sharing capabilities. They observed a demonstration of a T-12 Unmanned Surface Vessel provided by Foreign Military Financing to enhance Philippine Navy capabilities.
These engagements underscore both nations' commitment to peace, security, and shared values in the Indo-Pacific region.
