MUNICH, Germany — Reaffirming the United State's commitment to its 'ironclad' alliance with the Philippines, US Secretary of State Marco Antonio Rubio told foreign affairs secretary Enrique Manalo that Washington was eager to build "an even more invested and enduring relationship" with the Philippines as the two officials discussed China's "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea during their first meeting in Germany.

The two high-ranking officials on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) where Rubio vowed that America would remain steadfast as the country's staunchest ally—this despite a foreign assistance 'freeze' ordered by US President Donald Trump.

"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 posted on the social media platform X.

For his part, Manalo replied to Trump's secretary of state that Manila is fully committed in working with the US "to further strengthen economic and security ties" between the two countries.

"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, too, made a post on the same platform.

According to the US State Department, aside from more investments, the two officials also discussed economic cooperation on infrastructure, critical minerals, information technology and energy resource, including under civil nuclear cooperation.