Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this month, Manila's top diplomat said on Friday, with an increased trade tariff on one of Washington's top defence allies set to be discussed.

The move by US President Donald Trump to impose a higher-than-expected tariff on the Philippines signals his unwavering determination to pressure Washington's trade partners to do their part in reducing the US deficit in tandem with its intensifying rivalry with China,

The Philippine government is viewing with concern the higher-than-expected 20-percent reciprocal tariff to be imposed by the United States starting next month, as announced by the Trump administration on Thursday.