U.S. Reaffirms Support for Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions
The United States has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Philippines in its territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea. Philippine Ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez, expressed confidence that the U.S. will not abandon the Philippines as it confronts China's assertive actions in the region. The U.S. and the Philippines, long-standing treaty allies, have been vocal critics of China's activities in the South China Sea, where Chinese forces have engaged in aggressive maneuvers against Filipino forces. Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements between the U.S. and China, Romualdez assured that the Philippines would not be sidelined. The U.S. Congress is reportedly working on financial appropriations to aid the modernization of the Philippine military, and joint military exercises between the two nations continue to strengthen their defense ties. 
