US Ambassador Discusses Maritime Cooperation Expansion with PCG

MANILA, Philippines — United States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton discussed the expansion of maritime cooperation between the two countries with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). In a statement, the PCG said Lipton visited the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Friday and met with Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. Gavan expressed gratitude for the sustained support of the US Coast Guard in strengthening the PCG’s operational and maritime law enforcement capabilities. During the visit, Lipton reaffirmed the US’ continued commitment to the Philippines-US maritime cooperation in support of shared responsibilities across the Indo-Pacific region. The two officials explored emerging areas of cooperation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, following the PCG’s newly established Cyber Command. This visit comes amid heightened security cooperation between the Philippines and the US, particularly in the context of China's assertive maritime activities in the South China Sea. The Philippines has been seeking international support to bolster its maritime capabilities and protect its sovereign rights and territorial waters.