Manila, Feb. 6 -- The defense chiefs of the Philippines and the United States discussed the importance of "reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea" by working with allies and partners.

This took place during the introductory call between Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his counterpart, US Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on Feb. 5 (US time).

The call also discussed defense cooperation in the US-Philippines alliance, the statement posted at the DOD website said.

Also tackled were how the "capability and capacity" of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are to be enhanced.

"The Secretary (Hegseth) reaffirmed the ironclad US commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and...