Philippines Assures China on U.S. F-16 Fighter Jet Deal Amid South China Sea Tensions

The Philippines is assuring China that its planned purchase of 20 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, part of a $5.58 billion arms package, is not directed at any nation
U.S.-made F16 fighter jet. The Philippines is assuring China that its planned purchase of 20 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, part of a $5.58 billion arms package, is not directed at any nation. (Georg Wendt / DPA / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP)

The Philippines is assuring China that its planned purchase of 20 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, part of a $5.58 billion arms package, is not directed at any nation, even as Beijing warns that such military deals should not harm third-party interests.

“We would like to assure the People’s Republic of China that the planned procurement of the F-16 fighter jets to the Philippine arsenal does not in any way harm the interest of any third party. It is not intended for any nation,” National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said Thursday.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Edwin Shri Bimo

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2
Uncertainty Roils Minerals Markets
3 Chinese Scholars See Russia’s Venezuela Strategy as a Model of Hybrid Power Projection in the U.S.’ Backyard
4 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
5 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
6
Indonesia Goes Nuclear, Taps China and Russia for Modular Reactors

You Might Like

China’s Navy Unveils New Frigate Amid Rising South China Sea Tensions

China has added a new-generation frigate to its naval fleet, underscoring its drive to bolster maritime strength amid intensifying competition with the United States and other powers. The commissioning of the ...
The Philippines is assuring China that its planned purchase of 20 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, part of a $5.58 billion arms package, is not directed at any nation

U.S. Approves $5.58 Billion Fighter-Jet Sale to Philippines Amid Regional Tensions

The U.S. State Department said it was green-lighting the sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets and related equipment to the Philippines. The jets will be built by Lockheed Martin and the $5.58 billion ...
The U.S. Navy says a Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed in the South China Sea on October 26, 2025.

U.S. Navy Fighter Jet and Helicopter Crash in South China Sea

The U.S. Navy said a Navy fighter jet and a helicopter crashed in South China Sea on Sunday. The separate incidents happened about 30 minutes apart in waters that China says fall ...

China’s Use of a Water Canon Against Philippines Vessels Was Planned in Advance to Set an Example for Others, Says U.S. Analyst

The following is an excerpt from an article written by Ray Powell, director of the Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, that tracks Chinese maritime activity in the ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP