President Donald Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hold a bi-lateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC on July 22. Photo: VCG

(Global Times) During a meeting at the White House on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump told visiting Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, "I don't mind if he gets along with China, because we're getting along with China very well." The comment was seen by the media as catching Marcos off guard, interpreting it as a stunning message to the Philippine president regarding China.

When asked how he plans to balance his country's relationships between the U.S. and China, Marcos said there was no need to balance. "Our strongest partner has always been the US," said Marcos. 

However, in response, Trump said "We're getting along with China very well. And I don't mind if the president dealt with China, you know, because I think he has to do what's right for his country."

"I've always said, you know, make the Philippines great again. Do whatever you need to do, but [if] you're dealing with China, wouldn't bother me at all," said Trump.

Marcos is hoping that his meeting with Trump will help secure Manila's status as a key Asian ally and lead to a more favorable trade deal before the August 1 deadline, Reuters reported. The Associated Press also noted that the Philippine president's three-day visit underscores the importance of the US-Philippines alliance at a time when tensions between China and the Philippines remain high over disputes in the South China Sea.

After meeting with Marcos, Trump announced a reduction in tariffs on the Philippines—but it was merely a token one percent cut.

Trump said on Truth Social that the US would impose a 19 percent tariff rate on the Philippines, only down from a 20 percent tariff he threatened starting August 1. In return, he said, the Philippines would have an open market and the US would not pay tariffs.

Trump wrote that Marcos' visit was "beautiful," and it was a "Great Honor" to host such a "very good, and tough, negotiator," AP reported.

Global Times