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US military aid won’t provoke China, says Senate president
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero stated that increased military aid from the United States will not provoke China, as strengthening national defense is a sovereign right and obligation.
Escudero expressed gratitude for the additional USD500 million in US foreign military financing, viewing it as crucial for maintaining peace and modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.
He highlighted the aid as a testament to the strong friendship and equal partnership between the US and the Philippines in promoting peace, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based resolution of disputes.
The funding was announced during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Manila, attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, underscoring the robust bilateral relationship.
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China has cautioned the Philippines that accepting $500 million in US military aid will result in "greater insecurity" for the nation amidst rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
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The Philippines is set to receive $500 million in foreign military financing from the United States, the largest such package ever provided by the US to the Philippines, approved by the US Congress to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with their Philippine counterparts in Manila for "2+2" talks to strengthen regional alliances and coordinate on the South China Sea amid increased Chinese military activity.
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