President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio (4th from left) on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) in Malacañang | PNA Photo
NEW YORK — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the Philippines as both countries navigate rising regional tensions and expand cooperation on emerging technologies under the proposed Pax Silica framework. The meeting, held at Malacañang, covered defense cooperation, economic security, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo‑Pacific.
Rubio described the U.S.–Philippines alliance as “one of the most consequential in the region,” adding that Washington is “fully committed to supporting the Philippines as it modernizes its defense posture and strengthens its economic resilience.” President Marcos echoed the sentiment, saying the partnership “continues to evolve in ways that protect our people and secure our future.”
Both leaders acknowledged the rapidly shifting dynamics in the South China Sea, where recent incidents have heightened concerns over maritime safety and regional stability.
South China Sea Behavior Raises Concerns
Rubio and Marcos discussed China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the South China Sea, including recent confrontations involving Philippine vessels. According to a readout from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Marcos emphasized that “the Philippines will always stand firm in defending its sovereignty,” while Rubio reiterated that the United States “will continue to support the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty.”
Rubio noted that “any attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke U.S. obligations,” referencing the treaty’s Article IV. He added that the U.S. is “deeply concerned about unsafe maneuvers and coercive actions that threaten peace and stability.”
Marcos stressed the importance of maintaining open communication channels and upholding international law. “We rely on the rules‑based international order to ensure that smaller nations are not left vulnerable,” he said.
Pax Silica and Economic Security Take Center Stage
Beyond security concerns, Rubio and Marcos discussed the emerging Pax Silica initiative — a U.S.–Philippines framework aimed at strengthening semiconductor supply chains, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative seeks to position the Philippines as a critical node in global chip production and technology resilience.
Rubio highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership: “Semiconductors are the backbone of modern economies. The Philippines has the talent and the geographic advantage to play a central role in securing the global supply chain.” Marcos agreed, saying the initiative “aligns with our long‑term vision for innovation‑driven growth.”
The discussion also touched on the First Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in Clark, launched earlier this year. The Clark ESZ is designed to attract semiconductor manufacturers, AI‑driven industries, and critical‑technology investors by offering streamlined regulations and enhanced security protocols. Marcos described the zone as “a model for how the Philippines can anchor itself in the future economy.”
Strengthening a Modern Alliance
Both leaders concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to a modernized alliance that integrates defense, technology, and economic cooperation. Rubio said the U.S. and the Philippines are “building something durable — an alliance that protects our shared values and prepares us for the challenges ahead.”
Marcos emphasized that the partnership “is no longer just about defense; it is about securing prosperity for our people.”