Biden Administration Increases Military Aid to the Philippines Amid Tensions in the South China Sea

Biden Administration Announces $500 Million Military Aid to the Philippines

The Biden administration declared on Tuesday a substantial increase in military assistance to the Philippines, amounting to an additional $500 million. This move aims to strengthen the defense partnership between the two nations, particularly as the Philippine military faces escalating tensions with aggressive Chinese naval vessels in the South China Sea.

Since Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency of the Philippines two years ago, the U.S. and Philippine governments have significantly deepened their military collaboration. Unlike his predecessor, who sought to foster closer ties with China, Mr. Marcos has strategically aligned himself with the United States.

On Tuesday, Mr. Marcos convened a pivotal meeting in Manila, bringing together top diplomatic and military officials from both countries. This occasion marked the first time a so-called 2+2 session—a high-level dialogue involving foreign and defense ministers—was hosted in the Philippines, underscoring the growing importance of this alliance.

President Biden has prioritized alliance-building as a cornerstone of his foreign policy, particularly in regions such as Europe and Asia. These strategic partnerships are intended to counterbalance or deter military maneuvers by two nuclear-armed superpowers: Russia and China, which are currently collaborating with one another. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III arrived in Manila on Monday night as a part of a broader diplomatic mission to reinforce ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

The backdrop for the discussions in Manila is indeed tense. In recent months, Chinese coast guard vessels have increasingly engaged in hostile actions against Philippine naval ships in the contested waters of the South China Sea. Furthermore, Mr. Marcos and other leaders in Asia are left to ponder who will succeed Mr. Biden as U.S. president next January. The looming question remains: Will it be Kamala Harris, the current vice president and likely Democratic nominee, or Donald J. Trump, the former president who has criticized U.S. military alliances as a misallocation of resources?

During the meeting at the presidential palace, Mr. Marcos took a moment to reflect on the significance of the visit with Mr. Blinken and Mr. Austin, highlighting the growing partnership between their nations in a time of uncertainty.