WASHINGTON, D.C. — Speaking at Johns Hopkins SAIS on October 9, 2025, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said the country is deepening its alliance with the United States, linking enhanced security and trade cooperation to preparations for its upcoming ASEAN chairmanship.

Addressing the Asia Lunch Series hosted by the Southeast Asia League of Students, Romualdez described the alliance with the United States as a relationship of “friend, ally, and partner” that advances the rule of law, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. He situated current policy within a long history, noting that next year will mark both the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The ambassador highlighted deep social and economic connections underpinning the partnership. The United States remains a leading market for Philippine exports, he said, and an estimated 4.3 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans live and work in the United States. He also noted the early Filipino presence in North America dating back to the late 16th century—now commemorated as Filipino American History Month each October.

Turning to security challenges, Romualdez said Manila faces persistent pressure in the South China Sea and has aligned with Washington’s strategy of “strengthened deterrence” in the region. He outlined plans to expand defense-industrial cooperation in areas such as unmanned systems, energetics, and ship and aircraft maintenance, aimed at making the Philippines “a real partner” that contributes materially to shared security commitments.

Romualdez emphasized the link between national security and economic strength, arguing that trade and investment flows help underwrite defense modernization. He cited a recently signed grant agreement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to study a proposed 155-kilometer (96-mile) railway connecting Subic, Clark, and Metro Manila. He also pointed to cooperation opportunities in semiconductor supply chains, critical minerals, and civilian nuclear energy—fields that make sense “not only economically, but also for our shared security.”

The ambassador situated these initiatives within a broader framework of partnerships. He noted an increasingly active trilateral agenda with the United States and Japan, ongoing coordination with Australia, and record-high participation in this year’s Balikatan military exercises. Beyond defense, he said, infrastructure efforts are drawing support from like-minded partners, with Japan playing a prominent role.

Multilaterally, Romualdez pointed to the ASEAN–U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and engagement at the United Nations. He expressed confidence that the United States would continue to be “an outsized force for good” in regional institutions.

Looking ahead to the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairship, Romualdez previewed themes centered on a “people-oriented and people-centered” community. He said Manila aims to help ASEAN remain united in diversity, agile in responding to emerging challenges, innovative in approach, and resolute in serving as a consequential force in global affairs. The timing, he added, is significant: ASEAN is preparing to welcome Timor-Leste as its newest member, and 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, a foundational document for regional dialogue.

On external relations, he said the Philippines will seek broader and deeper engagement with partners across ASEAN’s three pillars—political-security, economic, and socio-cultural—guided by ASEAN centrality and the principles outlined in the charter. The goal, he added, is to build on rather than depart from the work of previous chairs.

Romualdez closed by stressing continuity: the Philippine-U.S. alliance, he said, is adapting to new realities while anchored in shared interests and values. Manila intends to bring that same approach to its leadership role in Southeast Asia.

“When you believe in something—if you truly believe in what you’re doing—always remember: wherever you were born, that is your country of birth,” he told students. “Every country has a role to play. Love that country. Peace, security, and economic prosperity for the entire world are what we all seek—the world’s success is your success.”

Edited by Krithiga Narayanan

Note: This article is published with the explicit permission of Ambassador Jose Romualdez, who spoke at an event held under the Chatham House Rule.