New Delhi, July 22 -- US President Donald Trump hosted Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House on Tuesday (July 22), as the United States and the Philippines aim to deepen strategic and economic cooperation amid growing regional tensions, particularly with China.

Marcos became the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the White House since Trump's re-election. The three-day state visit included meetings with top US officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Trump told reporters, "We're very close to finishing a trade deal - big trade deal, actually," signaling potential progress on a long-anticipated bilateral agreement.

Marcos expressed strong support for the alliance, cal...