The United States is transferring patrol ships and military transport aircraft to the Philippines, the White House said in a White House filing.
Military cooperation is being discussed during a visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the U.S., who was received at the White House Monday by his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden.
“The U.S. intends to transfer two Island-class patrol ships, two Protector-class patrol ships and three (military transport aircraft) C-130Hs to the Philippine armed forces,” the materials for the visit said. The deliveries are subject to congressional approval.
Two more Cyclone-class patrol ships were delivered to the Philippines in late April and are on their way to Manila.
In a statement following the talks, Biden reiterated the U.S. “unbreakable commitment” to an alliance with the Philippines, including of a military nature in the event of an attack on the country’s armed forces or its naval or air vessels in the Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.
Washington and Manila have recently accused Chinese forces of provocations against Philippine vessels in the area.