US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are in Manila this week to announce a $500 million defense funding to help the Philippines in its deterrence against China.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez told the Associated Press that the stimulus package would help his country boost its defensive capabilities as the non-confrontational rotation and resupply operations it was conducting on the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era landing ship that was ran aground at Second Thomas Shoal, was "purely temporary." He added that China would "not stop" with its claims on the South China Sea, prompting his country to be as determined as well.
Some Details of the $500 Million Defense Package
Breaking down the $500 million package, $125 million of it would be used for constructions and other improvements to Filipino military facilities and equipment as part of the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Romualdez added that he was pleased that the package was approved with strong bipartisan support from the US Congress.
A Filipino official also told the AP, on the condition of anonymity due to lack of authority to publicly discuss the matter, that the General Security of Military Information Agreement would allow the US to provide high-level intelligence and more sophisticated weapons, which include missile systems, to the Philippines with an assurance that such intelligence and details would be kept classified in order to prevent any leaks.
Blinken, Austin to Meet with Filipino Counterparts
It is understood that Blinken and Austin's visit to the Philippines was the duo's first in the itinerary of their Indo-Pacific whistle-stop tour.
Local state news outlet PNA added that the officials visited Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as well as conduct a "2+2" ministerial dialogue with their Filipino counterparts, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.
In their visit to the Malacañang presidential palace in central Manila, Blinken and Austin told Marcos of Washington's continued commitment to Manila, especially with escalating Chinese aggression.
Romualdez added that the Philippines would continue strengthening its territorial defense with the assistance of the US and other friendly allies, as well as build new security alliances.
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