US approves $5.58 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Philippines
The United States said Tuesday it has approved the possible sale of $5.58 billion in F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, as Washington backs its ally in rising tensions over China.
The State Department said it was green-lighting a sale that includes 20 F-16 jets and related equipment to the Philippines, a treaty-bound ally of the United States, News.Az reports, citing AFP.
The sale would "improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in Southeast Asia," a State Department statement said.
It would also boost "the Philippine Air Force's ability to conduct maritime domain awareness" and "enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses," the statement said.
A State Department spokesperson said Wednesday that the deal would be final only after "a signed Letter of Offer and Acceptance" was received from the "purchasing partner".
Philippine defense department spokesman Arsenio Andolong told AFP he had "not received any official notice of such a decision."
But China warned Manila against the purchase, saying the Philippines was "threatening" regional peace.
"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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