The US will provide $500 million to the Philippines to deter China in the South China Sea

On Tuesday, 30 July, the United States will announce a $500 million allocation to the Philippines for military purposes and to deter China in the region.

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US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Such moves strengthen Manila's alliance with Washington at the right time, as clashes between Philippine and Chinese forces are becoming more frequent in the South China Sea.

Marcos hailed the "very open" communication between Washington and Manila, adding that the two countries' alliance and key issues in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific are "constantly being tested and reviewed, so we are flexible in terms of our responses."

Marcos stressed the need for a US military presence for stability and peace in Asia.

Blinken said there is "real evidence of very high-level engagement between our two countries that covers the full range of challenges and opportunities that bring us together, not just in security but also in the economy."

Source: AP