US Seeks to Modernize Philippines Military, Resume Joint Maritime Patrols

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (R) walks past military guards during arrival honors at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo military camp in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, on Feb. 2, 2023. Rolex Delapena-Pool/Getty Images

The United States will help to modernize Philippine military capabilities and revive joint patrols in the South China Sea, which had been stalled during the previous Duterte administration, the U.S. defense chief said on Thursday.

The move was announced following a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Secretary of National Defense Carlito Galvez in Manila on the same day.