Will Philippines have F-16 fighter jets to counter China soon? US gives green light to $6bn sale

The United States on Tuesday (April 1) approved a potential $5.58bn sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.

The US State Department confirmed it had authorised the sale, which includes 20 F-16 jets and associated military equipment. The deal is designed to strengthen the Philippines, a key Washington ally, amid escalating regional tensions with China.

The US said that the warplanes would boost the Philippine Air Force’s maritime surveillance capabilities and improve its ability to neutralise enemy air defences.

The announcement comes after months of intensifying confrontations between the Manila and Beijing over disputed territories in the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely despite an international tribunal ruling that has stated otherwise.

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How Beijing, Manila reacted

Philippine defence spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, however, suggested that Manila had not yet received official notification of the US decision.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines has increasingly challenged Chinese maritime claims. In December, Manila further angered Beijing by announcing plans to procure the US Typhon missile system, sparking warnings from China about a possible regional arms race.

Beijing reacted critically, cautioning the Philippines against actions that might “threaten regional peace” or “exacerbate regional tensions.”

“The Philippines’ defense and security cooperation with other countries should not target any third party or harm the interests of a third party. Nor should it threaten regional peace and security or exacerbate regional tensions,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

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The Taiwan angle

The statement comes as US President Donald Trump seeks to shift Washington’s military focus toward countering China’s influence in Asia, particularly amid heightened fears of conflict over Taiwan. On Tuesday, Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner acknowledged that his country would be “inevitably” drawn into any conflict involving Taiwan, underscoring the urgency of preparedness.

China also promptly warned Philippines against involvement in Taiwan-related issues, emphasising that those who “play with fire will only get burned.”

With inputs from AFP