The United States offered $500 million to strengthen the Philippines’ military and coast guard, demonstrating its support amid tensions with China in the South China Sea. This announcement was made during a meeting in Manila between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, and their Philippine counterparts, reiterating Washington’s commitment to its oldest treaty ally in Asia.
“This unprecedented funding sends a clear message of support for the Philippines from the Biden-Harris administration, the US Congress, and the American people,” Austin said during a joint press briefing after security talks. Before the discussions, Blinken and Austin met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has improved relations with Washington since succeeding Rodrigo Duterte, who is renowned for his softer stance towards China.
The Philippines has challenged China’s claim to 90% of the South China Sea, a source of escalating conflict. Although Manila and China negotiated a temporary resupply mission agreement, details have still to be addressed. Blinken emphasised the United States’ “ironclad” resolve to defend the Philippines from any armed attack, strengthening assistance amid persistent tensions. A 2016 Hague verdict declared China’s territory claims baseless under international law.
