MANILA, Philippines — The United States has clarified that no agreement or formal announcement concerning the proposed Pax Silica Economic Security Zone is scheduled during the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders’ Summit in Manila this November.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton issued the clarification on Saturday, November 7, following media reports suggesting that an announcement on the proposed initiative could take place during or shortly after the regional summit.
Lipton stressed that no such announcement had ever been planned, emphasizing that decisions regarding the initiative would be made in close consultation with the Philippine government at the appropriate time.
He also underscored the importance of conducting thorough discussions on the potential impact of the project on all stakeholders.
The US envoy reiterated Washington’s interest in working with the Philippines on the initiative, which aims to strengthen supply chain security, attract quality investments, generate employment opportunities, and support economic growth.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier indicated that a final agreement was unlikely during US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Philippines, noting that both countries were still working on the details of the proposed arrangement.
Trump is expected to attend the ASEAN Summit in Manila and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China, on November 18 to 19.
The proposed Pax Silica initiative includes plans to establish a 4,000-acre artificial intelligence (AI) industrial hub within New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. The proposed development was unveiled last May, with US State Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg leading the presentation of the proposed site.
According to the US State Department, the planned economic zone is envisioned as an industrial hub that will boost the production of critical materials and components essential to global supply chains. It is also expected to contribute to the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor.
While the initiative presents potential opportunities for investment, industrial development, and job creation, both governments continue to engage in the necessary discussions and considerations before reaching any formal agreement.
More on: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/11/08/2568688/no-pax-silica-announcement-during-asean-us-envoy
