US VOWS TO INCREASE SUPPORT FOR AFP IN SECURITY, DEFENSE

THE United States has promised to increase its support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization in the inaugural 3+3 ministerial meeting between the two nations’ security, defense, and foreign affairs agencies.

The 3+3 was held in Washington DC on April 12 (US time) with Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año representing the Philippines.

Representing the US side, on the other hand, were Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

“The parties underscored their determination to increase US support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to improve interoperability and to achieve our shared security objectives,” the six agencies’ joint statement read.

The agencies also reaffirmed Manila’s and Washington DC’s “shared vision of a free and open IndoPacific” and discussed ways to deepen coordination over shared challenges in the South China Sea, including the “repeated harassment of lawful Philippine operations by the People’s Republic of China.”

Blinken, Austin, and Sullivan reiterated the “ironclad commitment” to the US-Philippine Alliance and recalled that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.

“The parties further decided to explore additional opportunities to strengthen global support for upholding the international law of the sea,” the statement read.

Austin in a separate statement noted that Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget request also sought $128 million to fund 36 infrastructure projects on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines, more than double the amount the US has already invested in those sites.