U.S. to boost Philippine defense capability with $500m investment

MANILA -- The U.S. announced on Tuesday an investment of $500 million to finance the Philippines' ongoing defense upgrade program, supporting in part efforts to counter China's maritime aggression in the South China Sea.

The investment was announced at the two-plus-two talks held on Tuesday between the defense and foreign ministers of the Philippines and the U.S. The meeting is the fourth of its kind, but the first to be held in the Philippines, and comes at an opportune time for the country's diplomacy, after similar talks were held with Japan earlier this month.