00:00United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegzeth emphasizes the importance of forging a strong
00:06shield of real deterrence for peace in a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcus Jr.
00:10in Washington. Hegzeth also reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the South China
00:15Sea, saying, quote, Asia Pacific is our priority theater, and the United States is committed to
00:21achieving peace through strength and willing to work with all nations who share this desire in
00:25the region. Marcus is in Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22 for his first visit to the White House
00:31under the second Donald Trump presidency. He also met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of
00:37the White House meeting, which is set to happen on July 22. Trump's reciprocal tariffs are expected
00:43to be top of the agenda after the U.S. president increased the rate, which could be imposed on
00:47Philippine products from 17 to 20 percent.
