U.S. unfreezes milit aid to Philippines to bolster China deterrence

U.S. unfreezes military aid to Philippines to bolster China deterrence U.S. unfreezes military aid to Philippines to bolster China deterrence

MANILA — The U.S. has exempted $500 million from its foreign aid freeze to help the Philippines upgrade its milit capabilities, Defense Secret Pete Hegseth announced on Friday during a visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

“We’re doubling down on that partnership,” Hegseth said after meeting his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, in Manila. “Our ironclad alliance has never been stronger.”