US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces on July 30, 2024 that his country will provide $500 million in military funding to the Philippines as Washington boosts ties with Manila amid its maritime tensions with Beijing. The Philippines has competing claims with China in the waters to its west also known as the South China Sea. China claims 90 percent of the sea as its sovereign territory. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said during a meeting with Blinken and US Defense chief Lloyd Austin that regular engagements between Manila and Washington were needed to ensure 'agile responses to Philippines' maritime tensions with ChinaREUTERS VIDEO

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