“Marcos” prepares to meet “Trump” on July 22 to discuss the issue of raising tariffs by 20% to strengthen the US alliance in Asia.
“Marcos” to meet with “Trump” on July 22 to discuss 20% tariff issue amid concerns over US announcement of 20% import tariff on Philippine goods, strengthening US alliance in Asia
July 11, 2568 at 10.30:XNUMX a.m., Reuters reported that Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines Prepare to meetDonald Trump, President of the United States In Washington this month One of the key topics to discuss is the imposition of trade tariffs on the Philippines, a key defense ally of the United States, the Philippine foreign minister confirmed on Friday.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Teresa Lazaro Speaking during a regional summit in Malaysia, he confirmed that Trump's meeting with Marcos, the first between the two leaders, came at a time when the two countries have been increasing military cooperation.
“The issue of taxes will also be discussed, which is very important for us. We have sent a negotiating team to discuss this issue,” Lazaro told Reuters.
White House officials said The meeting is set to take place on July 22, while Marcos' office said he will travel to the United States from July 20 to 22.
The Philippine government has expressed concern over Trump's announcement this week that it will increase tariffs to 20%. That's up from the 17% it threatened in April, without further explanation. The US is projecting a $2567 billion trade deficit with the Philippines in 4.9, up 21.8% from 2566.
The Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing trade talks and will send a delegation to Washington next week to push for a deal.
Relations between Manila and Washington have deepened under Marcos, who has gravitated closer to the United States and allowed an expanded American military presence in Philippine bases.
The Philippines, a former US colony, is a key strategic point in Washington's efforts to counter China's influence in the South China Sea and on the Taiwan issue.
The two countries have a more than 70-year-old mutual defense treaty and hold joint military exercises several times a year, including a test of the US Typhon missile system, which angered China.
Marcos's outspoken approach to the United States and tough stance on China have angered Beijing, which has accused the Philippines and the United States of trying to stoke tensions.
Lazaro added: ASEAN-China talks on a code of conduct in the South China Sea are delayed, with the Philippines pushing for it to be completed when it assumes ASEAN chairmanship next year.
“We think it’s taking too long. The important thing is that we have to move forward … China also has a duty to cooperate in completing these negotiations, which were originally scheduled for 2569.”
The South China Sea remains a major point of contention between China and ASEAN countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia, with China-Philippines relations at their most tense in years amid increased confrontations and warnings of escalating conflict.
Lazaro also addressed the situation in Myanmar. By stating that “The upcoming elections in a military-ruled country like Myanmar will only be accepted if they are inclusive and peaceful,”
refer : reuters.com
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