Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System launcher deploys into position aboard Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii, on Aug. 16, 2021. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Nick Mannweiler, released/file

MANILA – The Trump administration is prioritizing the country’s position in the Indo-Pacific as an ally of the United States, analysts said on Saturday, as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed to deploy a new anti-ship missile system to counter China’s presence in the region. 

Prof. Renato de Castro, an international studies expert, said while Manila has put a premium on internal security, it agreed on an “integrated deterrence” with Washington to strengthen defense.

Castro also expounded on what Hegseth said on achieving “peace through strength.” 

“Sinabi niya rin ang Importansya ng deterrence – na dapat talaga kung magkakaroon ng peace through strength, it should be based on deterrence. Kung mayroon kayong katunggali kailangan unahan niyo na – deterrence,” said Castro.

US to deploy anti-ship missile launcher in PH 

During Hegseth’s visit, the US and the Philippines agreed that one of the key initiatives to accelerate their longstanding defense partnership is the deployment of more advanced US military capabilities in the country.

This includes the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), a mobile anti-ship missile launcher system, and unmanned surface vessels.

The training and testing of NMESIS will also be integrated into the upcoming Balikatan exercises, the annual joint military drills between Philippine and US forces.

But what does this mean? De Castro said the country is being prepared for any eventuality in relation to the rising tensions between China and Taiwan.

“Ang Batanes malapit sa Taiwan, talagang sine-set yung message, kung magkakaroon ng gulo sa Taiwan, and I think everyone is talking about the possibility na papasukin ng Tsina ang Taiwan in the next few years, pinapakita na dito sa Pilipinas na hindi lang tayo manonood,” the analyst said.

“The mere fact na pinapahanda na ang presence ng marines. In-announce din ang deployment ng marines – mayroon ding medium-range capability. Mukhang ide-deploy din. Separate ang typhon ng US Army kasi separate services yan at separate din ang functions nila,” he added.

'The more, the merrier': AFP welcomes possible deployment of second Typhon missile to PH 

It also seemed, he said, that Washington aims to improve its alliance with the country.

“Mukhang ang magiging focus talaga ng Estados Unidos dito sa Indo-Pacific region. In a way, nung nangyari What happened in the last few days provides us a clear and more holistic picture kung ano ba ang design ng Trump administration,” he said.

“Medyo kumbaga, nagshi-shift na sila ng priority away from Europe, ang focus nila ay dito sa Indo-Pacific,” he added.

Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst, said there could be a realization from Washington that China remains the “most potent threat” to their national interests.

“Hindi lang ito based sa material capability ng China but also yung  political will ng China na i-contradict ang US and the broader rules-based order. Another point na na-realize natin na there will be a more ardent push from Washington to work with select partners dito sa Indo-Pacific,” Gill said.

Gill described Hegseth’s visit as “important” as it complements the country’s initiatives.

This includes, he said, Philippines’ self-reliant defense posture.

The US may have also seen the country’s willingness and level of morale to pursue operations that would secure sovereign rights.

“At the same time, napapakita natin ang interest ng Philippines sa West Philippine Sea and the broader region, greatly align with the United States’ position of maintaining its pre-eminence in this region at the time kung saan ine-escalate ng China ang… provocations niya at the expense of the regional order and the expense of sovereign interests of countries tulad natin,” he said.

“Preparedness at deterrence ang two important factors na nakikita natin. In order to prepare effectively, kailangan natin mag-adapt and evolve yung military cooperation natin,” he said.

Hegseth's Manila visit follows months of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

Beijing claims almost the entirety of the crucial waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no merit.