U.S. Announces $500 Million in Military Financing for Philippines

The United States announces a substantial $500 million military financing package for the Philippines, underscoring its commitment to the mutual defense treaty between the two nations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are in Manila to reaffirm this "ironclad" commitment, meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss the details of the aid and broader regional security issues.

The financing aims to help the Philippines modernize its military, an essential step as the U.S. seeks to bolster alliances in the Indo-Pacific region in response. . .