Manalo, Rubio discuss addressing ‘destabilizing’ Chinese acts in SCS

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

‘GREAT’ 1st IN-PERSON MEETING. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (left) meets with his US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday (Feb. 14, 2025). Rubio reaffirmed the US commitment to the United States-Philippines alliance and noted his enthusiasm for building even more enduring ties. (Photo: @SecManalo/X)

MANILA – Addressing China’s “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea (SCS) and increasing economic cooperation topped the agenda of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their first in-person meeting in Germany on Friday.

During the meeting, held on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Rubio reaffirmed the US commitment to its alliance with the Philippines, expressing eagerness to build “an even more invested and enduring relationship.”

“Had the opportunity to meet with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo during the Munich Security Conference. We discussed how we can strengthen the US-Philippine Alliance to address China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and increase the economic prosperity of our citizens,” Rubio said in a statement on X.

Manalo, meanwhile, said Manila is committed to working with the US “to further strengthen economic and security ties.”

“A great first in-person meeting with Secretary Rubio at (MSC 2025). A strong and committed Philippine-US partnership in various areas will contribute to a more robust alliance,” he posted on the same platform.

The US State Department said the two officials also discussed economic cooperation on infrastructure, critical minerals, information technology, and energy, including under civil nuclear cooperation.

Manalo previously said Manila hopes to clarify what assistance in the Philippines would be affected by the US foreign aid freeze but did not indicate if he raised the matter during his talk with Rubio.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, had already directed OCD officials to make an inventory of all projects that would be affected by the pause, as well as recommendations for their unimpeded implementation.

“The next steps should be immediately outlined to ensure the timely and efficient implementation of each initiative,” the memo stated.