The US has ruled out announcing the proposed Pax Silica Economic Security Zone during or after this month’s ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Manila, leaving the initiative’s timeline uncertain as Washington and Manila continue discussions on its scope and potential impact.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton issued the clarification in response to media comments suggesting that an announcement was expected around the regional summit.
“No such announcement on the Pax Silica Economic Security Zone was ever planned,” Lipton said in a statement.
The clarification leaves the timetable for the proposed zone open, with Washington providing no target date for a decision. It also underscores the need to assess how the initiative could affect businesses and other stakeholders before moving forward.
“Decisions will be made in full consultation with the government of the Philippines at the appropriate time,” Lipton said. “As stated previously and as part of this process, we expect rigorous discussions on impacts to all stakeholders.”
The statement did not identify a proposed location, investment commitments, participating companies or an implementation schedule, leaving key details of the economic security initiative unresolved.
Lipton nevertheless reaffirmed Washington’s interest in pursuing the proposal, citing its potential to strengthen supply chain security and attract quality investments that could generate economic growth and employment in the Philippines.
“We look forward to working alongside the government of the Philippines about this exciting initiative to secure supply chains and attract quality investment in support of economic growth and jobs at home for the Filipino people,” he said.
The proposed zone forms part of broader efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience and attract investments, although its eventual structure and commercial implications will depend on the outcome of consultations between the two governments.
