Senator Rick Scott has emphasized the importance of the alliance between the United States and the Philippines in countering what he describes as growing threats from China. In a recent opinion piece, Scott highlighted his visit to the Philippines earlier this month, where he met with Filipino leaders to discuss ways to strengthen economic and security ties.
According to Scott, “It is no secret that Xi Jinping and Communist China want to dominate and destroy America’s role as a global beacon of freedom and democracy and our very way of life. They want to dictate where we can sail, where we can trade, and where we can invest. Xi and his thugs also try to pressure our friends and partners to distance themselves from us.”
Scott stated that supporting allies in the Indo-Pacific region is essential because they serve as a front line against what he calls “the Communist Chinese onslaught.” He described his meetings with Filipino officials as reaffirming his belief in the critical nature of U.S.-Philippines relations for both national security and economic prosperity.
“This recent trip reaffirmed my long-standing belief: the U.S.-Philippines relationship is vital to our national security and economic prosperity, especially regarding the threat of Communist China,” Scott wrote.
He further noted shared values between Americans and Filipinos, saying their partnership directly affects future global security. Scott praised former President Trump’s commitment to maintaining strong military capabilities and working closely with Filipino allies.
“Americans and Filipinos share common values, and our partnership directly affects our future and the future of global security. Thankfully, President Trump understands this and is fully committed to ensuring the U.S. has the strongest military force, enforces Peace Through Strength, and works with our Filipino allies to protect America’s best interests around the world,” said Scott.
As a member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and Foreign Relations Committee, Scott pledged continued support for closer cooperation between Washington and Manila.
Scott described the Philippines as an important democratic partner in a strategically significant region. He referenced its role during World War II and subsequent decades as foundational for ongoing collaboration.
“The Philippines is more than just an anchor for the U.S. in the western Pacific. It is a vibrant democracy, an engaging economy, and, most importantly, an unashamed ally of the U.S. that wants stronger and closer ties. The U.S.-Philippine relationship is rooted in shared values and history. The Philippines is a thriving democracy with a deep commitment to freedom, a legacy forged through our shared sacrifices in World War II and decades of partnership since then,” Scott wrote.
He identified the South China Sea—referred to by some as the West Philippine Sea—as critical for global commerce due to its significance for maritime trade routes.
“The South China Sea — which would be better named the West Philippine Sea — is a critical artery for global trade, with nearly one-third of the world’s maritime commerce passing through it. Ensuring freedom of navigation in these waters isn’t just a regional issue — it’s a matter of global economic stability that affects American businesses, consumers and jobs,” said Scott.
Scott added that while Manila works hard to maintain open sea lanes, it relies on assistance from partners like Washington who benefit from free navigation.
“The Philippines is doing all it can to ensure that freedom of navigation, but it cannot do it without the help of its partners, like the United States, who benefit from this freedom of navigation,” he said.
He expressed concern over what he called illegal actions by China in these waters: “As Communist China continues its illegal, coercive and aggressive actions in this region, our military partnership with the Philippines is more important than ever. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our Filipino allies, we send a clear message: The U.S. will not allow authoritarian regimes to bully our partners or threaten our interests.”
Economic relations were also discussed by Scott; he pointed out robust trade figures between Florida businesses specifically—about $1.06 billion worth of goods exported from Florida alone in 2024—and stressed opportunities created by further strengthening these partnerships.
“The Philippines is a great economic partner that likes and appreciates American business, with billions of dollars of goods and services exchanged between our countries every year. In 2024, Florida alone exported approximately $1.06 billion worth of goods to the Philippines. We can further support American businesses and create opportunities by strengthening economic ties with partners that are happy to support our success over nations like Communist China that seek to destroy us,” he said.
Scott also mentioned current leadership alignment under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., describing him as supportive both economically and militarily toward U.S.-Philippine cooperation alongside former President Trump’s policies.
“The Philippines and its people, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., are aligned with the U.S. and President Trump, both economically and militarily. In the Filipino government and its people, we have a friend, partner and ally that is strategically placed…and highly motivated to work with us as Trump pursues peace through strength…”
He concluded by asserting that maintaining strong ties serves not only strategic interests but also acts as an obstacle against Chinese ambitions: “Most importantly, China can’t stand that the Filipino-American alliance is a massive roadblock to its desired domination…”
Scott summarized his position stating: “We face a complex and competitive world in which Communist China is not just an existential threat…If we seek to avoid the devastating conflict…we must walk forward…to boldly counter Communist China’s aggression.”
“Peace through strength is within our reach,” he wrote at closing remarks about continued commitment toward resilient alliances.
