By World BEYOND War Asia, November 6, 2026

A response to this statement.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines for the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus signifies the continuing effort of the U.S. to use the country as a pawn for its war and militarism in the region, using the Philippines to encourage other ASEAN nations to enter partnerships and align with U.S. interests.

For 75 years under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Philippines has remained a loyal subordinate to U.S. wargames in the region and across the globe, while many Filipinos and their communities suffer atrocities and human rights violations at the hands of U.S. military forces. The MDT was and remains an unequal relationship, alongside related agreements such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Now, with the Philippines entering Pax Silica initiatives and the Luzon Economic Corridor, the government has further opened the country to exploitation.

Our message is also clear:

The U.S. is the primary reason why the Philippines and the Filipino people do not enjoy genuine sovereignty.

We call on all peace-loving people to denounce this continuing alliance between the Philippines and the U.S., and we call on other ASEAN governments to refuse to let the U.S. use them to advance its militaristic agenda.

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