Manila and Washington have strengthened their ties in response to increasing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr welcomed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to the Philippines, emphasizing the need for regular communication and cooperation. This marks the first time the two countries have hosted “2+2” meetings.
The Philippines, one of several Southeast Asian nations with claims in the South China Sea, has seen tensions rise with China over the past year, particularly at Second Thomas Shoal. A recent incident involving the Chinese coastguard led to a Filipino sailor losing a finger. While the Philippines rejected US assistance, they have reached a provisional arrangement with China to manage differences.
During the visit, Blinken and Austin reaffirmed the US’s commitment to upholding international law in the South China Sea under the Mutual Defence Treaty with the Philippines. They also announced $500m in foreign military financing for the Philippines, part of a larger aid package to confront Chinese aggression in the region.
The US has proposed infrastructure improvements at Philippine bases accessible to US forces under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, with plans to expand the number of sites. Additionally, the two countries are negotiating an intelligence-sharing agreement to enhance security cooperation.
The visit comes after talks with other key US allies in the region, including Japan, where China was labeled the “greatest strategic challenge.” The Quad grouping, comprising the US, Japan, Australia, and India, condemned China’s actions in the South China Sea, highlighting growing international concern over Beijing’s assertiveness in the region.
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