United States Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin III trusts that the incoming Administration of President-elect Donald Trump will continue to extend military support to the Philippines.
"I have seen strong support for the Philippines in both parties in the United States. My guess, we will continue to see that moving forward," Austin said on Tuesday, November 19, during a press briefing in Palawan.
Austin stressed that the strength of the alliance between the Philippines and the United States transcends 'changes in Administration'.
He also expressed his belief that the Philippines will remain an important country for the United States in the future.
"It is in our best interest, as I said before, both of our best interest to continue develop a relationship, and help (Sec. Gilbert Teodoro) meet his goals in terms of modernization," Austin said.
Last July, US officials promised to provide US$ 500 million worth of military funding to the Philippines.
Prior to the press briefing, Austin watched the Philippine Navy demonstrate the capabilities of a T-12 unmanned surface vessels, which the country acquired through U.S. Foreign Military Financing.
"We expect to see many more platforms like this delivered from the US$ 500 million in foreign military financing that I announced during my visit in the Philippines last July," Austin mentioned.
Austin also stressed the commitment of the United States to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
He reiterated that the MDT applies to all armed attacks against the armed forces, aircrafts, and public vessels of the two countries, including those in the West Philippine Sea.
