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Biden reaffirms US commitment to Philippines' security

Alarm bells are ringing for Washington and its Asian allies as China moves ever more confidently to assert claims to sovereignty over almost the whole South China Sea.

AFP

Marcos is on a four-day trip to the United States. / Photo: AFP

President Joe Biden has reiterated US commitment to the Philippines' security and noted the "deep friendship" of the two nations as he welcomed Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for White House talks.

Marcos' visit to Washington on Monday comes after the US and the Philippines last week completed their largest war drills ever.

The Philippines this year agreed to give the US access to four more bases on the islands as the US looks to deter China’s increasingly aggressive actions toward Taiwan and in the disputed South China Sea.

Biden went out of his way to note the progress in the US-Philippine relationship — one that has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office less than a year ago.

"We are facing new challenges and I couldn’t think of a better partner to have than you." Biden told Marcos at the start of their Oval Office meeting.

"The United States also remains ironclad in our commitment to the defence of the Philippines, including in the South China Sea, and we will continue to support the Philippines military modernisation."

Marcos: Philippines won't be 'staging post' for military action

'Complicated geopolitical situation'

Marcos said the relationship was essential as the Philippines and the Pacific find themselves in "possibly the most complicated geopolitical situation in the world right now."

Monday's Oval Office meeting is the latest high-level diplomacy with Pacific leaders by Biden as his administration contends with increased military and economic assertiveness by China and worries about North Korea's nuclear programme.

Marcos’ official visit to Washington is the first by a Philippine president in more than 10 years.

US president last week hosted South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol for a state visit during which the two leaders introduced new steps aimed at deterring North Korea from launching an attack on its neighbours. Biden is scheduled to travel to Japan and Australia in May.

Marcos is also slated to visit the Pentagon, meet Cabinet members and business leaders and make remarks at a Washington think tank during his visit.