During his visit to Palawan, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned China's actions against the Philippines and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to defend its ally under the Mutual Defense Treaty. Austin expressed confidence that U.S. military assistance, including $500 million in funding, would continue across administrations. Philippine officials echoed Austin's sentiments about the importance of U.S.-Philippine relations to counter escalating Chinese aggression in the contested South China Sea. A security agreement on classified military intelligence was also signed, enhancing military cooperation between the nations.