US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines during a call with his counterpart in Manila in the face of geopolitical tensions in South China Sea.

Philippine Airlines will boost its connectivity to mainland China with the launch of non-stop Manila to Beijing flights

The training involved three Philippine FA-50 fighters and drills to enhance air domain awareness and joint combat capabilities.

Air patrol exercise underscores Manila’s efforts to assert its maritime claims while testing US commitment to regional security, analysts say.