12 hours ago
1
Donald Trump is set to host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House on Tuesday. (Image: Getty)
Just days before he's set to travel to the UK, US President Donald Trump will host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House. The talks, taking place on Tuesday afternoon, are planned to revolve around tariffs and the security partnership between the two countries.
Mr Trump recently sent a letter to the Philippines threatening a 20% tariff on Filipino goods as part of his effort to secure deals with trading partners. The US president initially set a 90-day deadline when he unveiled his “reciprocal tariffs” on April 2, which was extended to the beginning of August to give time for more talks.
"I intend to convey to President Trump and his Cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial and future-oriented collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of,” President Marcos said on Sunday when he was departing for Washington.
Ahead of the presidents' meeting on Tuesday, Mr Marcos met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reaffirm their commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and discuss security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region against the growing threat from China.
Later this week, Mr Trump will also pay a visit to Scotland, the White House confirmed, ahead of a separate state visit to the UK in just under two months' time. This will be his first visit since 2023, when he and his son Eric played a new 18-hole course at his Trump International golf resort in Aberdeenshire. It has been confirmed that Mr Trump will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer while in Aberdeen. The president will return to the UK in mid-September for an unprecedented second state visit.
THIS IS A LIVE BLOG. PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW THE POSTS.
6 mins ago16:27 Emily Wright
Trump to meet Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shortly
Events in Washington DC are running slightly behind schedule, with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set to meet with Donald Trump at the White House in the next few minutes.
Stay with us for updates.
29 mins ago16:04 Emily Wright
When will Donald Trump next visit the UK?
Later this week, Mr Trump will pay a visit to Scotland, the White House confirmed, ahead of a separate state visit to the UK in just under two months' time.
This will be his first visit since 2023, when he and his son Eric played a new 18-hole course at his Trump International golf resort in Aberdeenshire.
It has been confirmed that Mr Trump will meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer while in Aberdeen.
The president will return to the UK between September 17 and 19 for an unprecedented second state visit. While other world leaders have visited Britain multiple times, Mr Trump will be the first elected leader in modern history to be invited for two state visits, following his first in 2019.
The president has said his plans for the visit were to "have a good time and respect King Charles, because he's a great gentleman".
The full details of the visit have not yet been released, but it will include a full ceremonial welcome and a state banquet at St George's Hall in Windsor Castle.
Donald Trump pictured with Queen Elizabeth II during his first UK state visit in 2019. (Image: Getty)
37 mins ago15:56 Emily Wright
What's the situation in the South China Sea?
China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been involved in long-unresolved territorial conflicts in the South China Sea - a busy shipping passage for global trade.
The Chinese coast guard has repeatedly used water cannons to hit Filipino boats in the sea. China accused those vessels of entering the waters illegally or encroaching on its territory.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratly and Paracel Islands, based on historical "nine-dash line" claims. The Philippines, however, claims parts of the Spratly Islands and surrounding waters, including the Scarborough Shoal (a fishing ground), based on its proximity to the Philippine archipelago and its interpretation of international law. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the waters.
A map of Indonesia. Malaysia is highlighted in red, the Philippines is located to the northeast. (Image: Getty)
40 mins ago15:53 Emily Wright
President Marcos meets with US's Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth
Ahead of the meeting with President Trump, Mr Marcos met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reaffirm their commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and go over security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region amid growing concerns around China.
During Mr Marcos' meeting Monday with Mr Rubio, the two reaffirmed the alliance “to maintain peace and stability” in the region and discussed closer economic ties, including boosting supply chains, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
Mr Hegseth also said: “Our storied alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today, and together we remain committed to the mutual defense treaty.
“And this pact extends to armed attacks on our armed forces, aircraft or public vessels, including our Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.”
Met with Philippine President @BongBongMarcos to discuss how the U.S. and the Philippines are strengthening our ironclad Alliance to advance our shared safety, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/rmGfM1Xuca
\u2014 Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 21, 202543 mins ago15:50 Emily Wright
Donald Trump to host host Philippine president at White House
President Donald Trump will host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House on Tuesday (July 22).
The presidents are set to discuss tariffs and the security partnership between the two countries.
Mr Trump recently sent a letter to the Philippines threatening a 20% tariff on Filipino goods as part of his effort to secure deals with the world's largest trading partners.
According to President Marcos office on Sunday as he left for Washington DC, he said: "I intend to convey to President Trump and his Cabinet officials that the Philippines is ready to negotiate a bilateral trade deal that will ensure strong, mutually beneficial and future-oriented collaborations that only the United States and the Philippines will be able to take advantage of."
(Image: Getty)
44 mins ago15:49 Emily Wright
Welcome to the live blog.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog covering Donald Trump's meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House later this afternoon.
Please follow along for updates.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
English (US) · 