US pledges $500 million to bolster Philippines' defense capabilities

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a substantial aid package worth $500 million. The announcement came following their high-level talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in Manila, according to Report, which cites AP.

The allocated funds will be directed towards modernizing the Philippine military, enhancing border security, and deepening security cooperation between the two nations.

During a press conference, Secretary Blinken expressed shared concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea and East China Sea, which he described as escalatory. He emphasized that the US will stand by the Philippines and provide support in the event of an attack on Philippine forces in the Pacific.