US defense chief’s Manila visit...

PAGE 1 saying in a department article.

While in Manila, Austin will be hosted by his counterpart, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Austin will also meet with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Andres Centino, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Amid the changing security environment, the U.S. Department of Defense aims to "bolster regional alliances and partnerships" to maintain regional stability. The trip comes amid regional tensions between China and Taiwan, on top of long-standing issues in the South China Sea — including the part of it that Manila calls the West Philippine Sea.

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