The American president Joe Biden will host his Filipino counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Washington on May 1, the White House announced today, with the two countries looking to strengthen their alliance to counter China.

The two leaders “will discuss initiatives aimed at strengthening the long-standing alliance between the United States and the Philippines,” the US presidency said in a statement.

This meeting is taking place at a time when there is a strengthening of ties between Washington and Manila.

On April 11, the armed forces of the two countries held large-scale joint military exercises in the South China Sea, while at the same time their defense and foreign ministers held meetings in Washington.

In early February, the US and the Philippines unveiled an agreement they reached, which allows the US military to access four additional bases in the Southeast Asian country, including a naval base near Taiwan.

By welcoming Marcos Jr. to the White House, Biden wishes to “reiterate the unwavering support of the United States for the defense of the Philippines,” according to the White House announcement.

During their talks, the two leaders are expected to address issues of economic cooperation, energy transition, climate change and human rights.

But the two leaders “will also discuss regional issues and coordinate around respecting international law and promoting an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open,” the White House added.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the former Philippine dictator, was elected last year and is seeking to improve his country’s relations with the United States, which had soured under Rodrigo Duterte.