US defense chief to visit PH next week

Metro Manila, Philippines— United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit the Philippines next week to level up Washington’s alliance with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, the Pentagon said in a statement.

The Pentagon said Austin will visit Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Fiji to participate in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings.

“These engagements will drive ongoing efforts to modernize our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said.

This will be Austin’s 12th visit to the region, and fourth to the country.

“Austin will make his fourth visit to the Philippines, where he will advance security objectives with Philippine leaders and meet with US and Philippine forces,” Pentagon added.

Austin will participate in the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus on Nov 12.. He will also make a landmark visit to Fiji.