WPS defense in focus in late-night phone call between Marcos, Harris
Metro Manila, Philippines — The United States reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Philippines in the face of China’s increasing aggressions in the South China Sea, US Vice President Kamala Harris told President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a late-night phone call on Tuesday, January 14.
This call came just two days after Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held trilateral talks.
“It is extremely important to me and to the United States that we reaffirm the commitment to the defense of the Philippines, including in the South China Sea,” Harris emphasized during the conversation.
The outgoing vice president expressed confidence that PH-US ties will remain robust, citing bipartisan support within Washington.
“I know there is bipartisan support within the United States Congress and across the US for the strength and enduring nature of this relationship—both in terms of security, prosperity, and, as you pointed out, people-to-people ties,” she added.
Reflecting on her visit to the Philippines, Harris recalled her historic trip to Palawan in 2022, which was the highest-ranking visit by a US official to the region. She recounted her interactions with various groups, particularly women in the fishing community of Tagburos and members of the Philippine Coast Guard.
“The Vice President recalled her visit to Palawan, the Philippines—during which she reaffirmed her support for those she met, including women in the fishing community of Tagburos and members of the Philippine Coast Guard,” the White House said in a separate statement.
For his part, Marcos thanked Harris for her role in strengthening Manila-Washington relations over the past two and a half years.
“It is remarkable how much work we’ve accomplished and how much the relationship between our two countries has grown. Our relationship was already strong, but it is evolving to meet the modern challenges we face—both in the South China Sea for us, and around the world for the United States,” Marcos said.
