MANILA: The United States on Tuesday announced an “unprecedented” $500 million defence aid to help the Philippines defend its shores amid increasing territorial threats from China, as the American and Filipino defence and diplomatic chiefs met in Manila.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with their Filipino counterparts, Gilbert Teodoro and Enrique Manalo, in Manila for a “2+2” meeting—the first of its kind to be held in the Philippine capital.
The unprecedented infusion of funds is intended to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard. According to Austin, this investment represents a historic commitment by the Biden administration, the US Congress, and the American people.
“We are poised to deliver a once-in-a-generation investment,” Austin said during a press briefing following nearly four hours of closed-door talks. He described the funding as “unprecedented,” signaling strong support for the Philippines amid escalating territorial disputes with China.
The US is also seeking to double its investment in military infrastructure at Philippine sites accessible to American troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This year’s US budget request includes more than $128 million for EDCA infrastructure projects and related investments.
The Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), signed in 1951, was reaffirmed during the talks. Austin emphasized that the treaty applies to any armed attacks on either country’s forces, aircraft, or public vessels in the South China Sea. This mutual defence commitment is a cornerstone of the alliance between the two nations.
The Philippines has long maintained a World War II-era ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, at Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. This outpost serves as a symbolic and strategic presence in the contested waters, which are claimed by China.
Earlier in the day, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Austin and Blinken at the Malacañang presidential palace. Marcos expressed appreciation for the high-level visit despite the ongoing political transition in the US. He emphasized the importance of continuous and open communication between the allies to address regional security challenges.
Secretary Blinken noted that the meeting was a reflection of the “steady drumbeat of very high-level engagements” between the US and the Philippines. Austin described the alliance as a familial relationship founded on shared interests and values.
The announcement comes amid recent tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly following an incident last month where a Filipino serviceman was injured in a clash with Chinese coast guard and navy forces.
The Philippines and China recently reached an agreement to facilitate Filipino missions to Ayungin to “de-escalate” the situation. The details of this arrangement remain confidential, but the Philippines and China have offered differing accounts of the event.
Geopolitical analyst Julio Amador III emphasized the significance of the “2+2” meeting and the $500 million aid package. He noted that this funding would likely bolster the Philippine military’s modernization efforts and address concerns about the disparity in support between US allies and non-allies.
“The $500 million in FMF [Foreign Military Financing] is the largest single support the Philippines has received from the US, reflecting a serious commitment to addressing the security threat posed by China,” Amador said.
After meeting with our counterparts in Tokyo, @SecDef Austin and I headed to Manila to meet with @SecManalo and @dndphl Secretary Teodoro Jr.
Through our 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, we talk directly with partners about ways we can address the biggest challenges and opportunities… pic.twitter.com/r41EspTrWK
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 30, 2024
