House panel presses Rubio to secure Philippines funding to counter China threat

23/9/2025 19:09

The U.S. house committee on China has urged Washington to ensure funding for the Philippines to counter Beijing's "aggressive and destabilising actions" in the South China Sea, according to a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which warns cuts could threaten U.S. security interests.



In the letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party sought clarity on funding for the Philippine coast guard, noting the State Department had sought a dramatically reduced 2026 budget for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement that would "devastate" programmes to help its ally stand up to China.



The select committee's letter follows moves by China to further tighten its grip on the strategically located Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia most contested maritime features, where Philippine and Chinese vessels have clashed repeatedly.



"Beijing has significantly escalated its aggressive activities in the South China Sea, including its efforts to unlawfully assert control over much of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. (China's) coast guard and maritime militia regularly attack or physically coerce Philippine vessels," the letter said.



"Beijing's actions have only grown more threatening over the last several months, reflecting the immediacy of this threat."