The U.S. Department of State has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets and related equipment worth $5.58 billion to the Philippines. The deal comes amid rising tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
U.S. to Sell 20 F-16s to the Philippines
In a statement, the U.S. Department of State announced that the Philippines has been granted approval to purchase 20 F-16 fighter jets to enhance its security. The statement emphasized, “Increasing the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.”
South China Sea Tensions and Strategic Partnership
This sale is seen as a notable move during a time of heightened sovereignty disputes between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. The U.S. has long maintained its policy of strengthening its presence in the region, being one of the Philippines’ largest military allies.
