The $901 billion 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed by President Trump last week, includes up to $3.5 billion in military aid for the Philippines as the US continues to build up its forces and allies in the Asia-Pacific to prepare for a potential future war with China.
The aid for Manila includes $500 million in Foreign Military Financing, a State Department program that provides foreign governments with funds to purchase US weapons, to be distributed over the next five years for a total of $2.5 billion.
“This bipartisan bill will significantly increase US security assistance to the Philippines and profoundly strengthen and modernize the defense and deterrence capabilities of our Alliance,” Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) said in a joint statement on the inclusion of the $2.5 billion for Manila in the 2026 NDAA.
The NDAA also includes an offer to the Philippines of a $1 billion loan repayable over 17 years. The significant boost in US military aid for the Philippines comes amid growing tensions in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing over disputed rocks and reefs, an area where the US is deeply involved, frequently sails warships, and conducts military drills.
Since the first Trump administration, the US has openly stated that the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty applies to attacks on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, meaning the US is committing to going to war if the maritime dispute between China and the Philippines turns hot. The US frequently reaffirms its commitment following incidents in the South China Sea between Chinese and Philippine boats.
“The United States condemns China’s October 12 ramming and water cannoning of a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel close to Thitu Island in the South China Sea. We stand with our Philippine allies as they confront China’s dangerous actions, which undermine regional stability,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement after an incident in October.
“The United States reaffirms Article IV of the 1951 United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea,” Pigott added.
