Move a show of 'iron-clad' support, but analysts cautious on US' reliability as ally

The United States has fully restored its US$500 million (S$670 million) military aid to the Philippines in a move seen as the Trump administration's effort to dispel doubts on Washington's reliability as a security ally in the Indo-Pacific amid tensions with China.

- Mara Cepeda

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Filipino counterpart, Mr Gilberto Teodoro Jr, announced the fund's restoration in a joint press conference in Manila on March 28, marking Mr Hegseth's first stop in his maiden trip to the region.

His visit comes amid growing concerns over Washington's dependability as a defence partner, following US President Donald Trump's tariff war on his allies, his stance on Ukraine as well as his 90-day freeze on foreign aid programmes.

It also comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have competing claims.

The US in February initially exempted only US$336 million of its military aid for Manila from the freeze.

"We are grateful for the enduring support of the United States, including the State Department's issuance of a waiver in part, in no small way, through the efforts of Secretary Hegseth and the rest of the team, for a waiver of foreign military financing for the Philippines," Mr Teodoro said.

He said the fund's reinstatement will be crucial in "re-establishing effective deterrence against unwanted and malign influences that threaten stability - not just in the Indo-Pacific, but across the world".