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US, Philippines hold security talks in Manila over South China Sea
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.
The United States is expected to reveal $500 million in defense support for the Philippines.
The top US officials paid a courtesy call on Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. before the security talks.
Blinken reaffirmed US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights.
The officials discussed working with like-minded nations such as Australia and Japan to strengthen the rule of law and respect for territorial sovereignty.
This meeting marks the first time the Philippines has hosted the "2+2" talks, highlighting the deepening defense and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the strong Philippines-US alliance in maintaining stability within the West Philippine Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region during his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III.
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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.
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The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted their first joint maritime drills in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Friday.
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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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