JAKARTA - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will visit the United States next week with a clear message to US President Donald Trump, the Philippines should become stronger economically if it is to become a truly resilient partner.
The first visit by the ASEAN head of state since Trump took office in January 2025, will focus on economic cooperation, with Marcos expected to discuss concerns over the proposed US tariff on Philippine exports.
"The President's official visit also aims to discuss the proposed US tariffs to be imposed on Philippine exports," Assistant Foreign Minister totaled Solano at a press conference reported by Reuters, Friday, July 18.
Trump raised the reciprocal rate for Philippine exports to 20% this month from the 17% threatened in April.
Negotiations between Philippine trade officials and their US partners are underway in Washington in hopes of reaching an acceptable and mutually beneficial reciprocal agreement for the two countries
During the visit, the two leaders will also discuss closer cooperation in defense and security, including issues in the South China Sea where Manila and Beijing have been involved in a series of maritime confrontations.
SEE ALSO:
-
| BERITA
Kardinal Yerusalem Bawa Bantuan ke Gereja Gaza yang Hancur Diserang Israel
18 Juli 2025, 18:48
Relations between Manila and Beijing are deteriorating under Marcos, who has shifted closer to the United States, giving him broader access to a Philippine military base.
The granting of access is based on the goals of the two countries to fight what they call China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and against Taiwan.
"The purpose of this visit is to further strengthen the Philippines-United States Alliance, to proactively engage the US in all aspects of relations and take advantage of opportunities for greater security and economic cooperation," Solano said.
The United States and the Philippines have decades-old joint defense agreements and held dozens of annual drills, which include training with the US Typhon missile system, and recently with the NMESI anti-ship missile system.
Marcos will also meet separately with Foreign Minister Marco Rubio and Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, as well as US business leaders investing in the Philippines.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
