US secretaries meet Philippine counterparts, offer $500M defense aid

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with their Philippine counterparts in Manila on Tuesday to discuss Beijing's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' proximity to disputed waters and mutual defense treaty with the US make it a key partner for Washington, especially amid increased Chinese military activity.

During their visit, Blinken and Austin held talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, marking the first time '2+2' meetings were hosted in the Philippines.

The US announced plans to provide $500 million in defense support as part of efforts to deepen coordination on regional security issues.

A Filipino soldier lost a finger in June during a confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal, highlighting ongoing risks for Philippine troops stationed there due to Chinese assertiveness.