US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in the Philippines, a key ally of Washington, amid heightened regional tensions with China, BBC reported.
He will discuss trade and will reiterate America's "ironclad" security commitments to the country, a senior State Department official said.
Friction has grown between Manila and Beijing in recent months over competing claims in the South China Sea.
US officials say the relationship will "inevitably" be part of discussions.
The visit is also likely to be seen as bolstering American support for Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr who has tilted towards Washington, unlike his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who pushed ties with Beijing.
As Blinken's plane descended towards the capital, Manila, the lights of the city's flourishing high-rise blocks were reflected across the bay. The Philippines became Southeast Asia's fastest growing economy last year, but entrenched inequality in a country which has failed to grapple with long-standing accusations of government cronyism has played into its fractious politics.
The Philippines remains a key strategic hub for the US, especially because of its position in an evolving region, where China has emerged as a rival to American power and influence.
bd-pratidin/GR
