US Lawmakers Push for Philippines Funding to Counter China in South China Sea

A US House committee has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to safeguard funding for the Philippines in order to strengthen its defence against China’s increasing activities in the South China Sea.

See also: Trump to address UN as he distances US from global cooperation

The committee expressed alarm over a proposed cut to the 2026 budget for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, saying this would badly damage maritime support programmes vital to Manila.

In a letter obtained by Reuters, the panel stressed that undermining Philippine maritime law enforcement would threaten both regional stability and US national security interests. The lawmakers highlighted Beijing’s more aggressive actions, including coast guard and maritime militia operations that regularly harass Philippine ships and restrict access to key waters. These measures, they said, reflect the immediacy of the challenge facing Manila and Washington.

The Philippines is a key US ally in the Asia-Pacific, and American officials have repeatedly described the partnership as “ironclad.” Although the State Department has yet to comment on the letter, the committee insisted that ongoing funding must be protected to ensure the Philippines can stand firm against Beijing’s growing maritime pressure.

Disputes over Scarborough Shoal, one of the most contested areas of the South China Sea, have further increased tensions between Beijing and Manila.

China recently announced plans to turn the shoal into a national nature reserve, a decision described by Secretary Rubio as a coercive step to advance sweeping territorial claims. The Philippines condemned the move, accusing Chinese vessels of provocative actions such as firing water cannons at its coast guard boats.

These incidents, which have sometimes brought ships close to collision, could push Manila to activate the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, updated in 2023 to explicitly include protection of Philippine coast guard vessels. In their letter, lawmakers urged the Biden administration to keep maritime security funding intact, warning that any reduction would weaken an ally and expose US security interests to greater risks.

China, however, has rejected US criticism, accusing Washington of meddling and fuelling instability in the region. With $336 million already allocated for Philippine defence modernisation, lawmakers insist a significant portion should continue supporting maritime law enforcement to ensure stability in the South China Sea.

See also: (In the US) Trump Criticised for Claiming Tylenol Causes Autism