President Trump greeted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House Tuesday to discuss their countries’ relationship.
“We love them, and we respect their leader,” Mr. Trump responded to a shouted question about his message to the Philippines.
When asked about a trade deal being struck between the two countries, Mr. Trump said, “I think we will.”
Mr. Marcos has had a three-day U.S. visit, also meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday to talk about territorial conflicts in the South China Sea featuring boats from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia Brunei and Taiwan.
Mr. Marcos and Mr. Hegseth reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
“Our storied alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today, and together we remain committed to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Mr. Hegseth said. “And this pact extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.”
Mr. Marcos said the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines has been successful “in terms of preserving the peace [and] in terms of preserving the stability of the South China Sea.”
Mr. Trump and Mr. Marcos were expected to discuss strengthening economic and defense ties.
Before flying to the U.S., Mr. Marcos said his visit was to “reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long-standing alliances as an instrument of peace and a catalyst of development in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.”
He said he would focus on pushing for more economic engagement through trade and investment.
“I intend to convey to President Trump and his Cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial and future-oriented collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of,” he said.
Tariffs were expected to be included in discussions, as Mr. Trump has threatened to impose 20% tariffs on Filipino goods on Aug. 1 unless a trade deal can be struck. A letter was sent to the Philippine president last week announcing the 20% rate, a hike from the 17% announced in April.
Mr. Marcos is the first head of state from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to visit the White House during Mr. Trump’s second term.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.