MANILA, Philippines – The United States committed on Tuesday, December 17, to give the Philippines $40 million (P1.76 billion) to boost its maritime security in the face of a dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“The United States is committed to working with the Philippines to address its most pressing security challenges,” Kerry said at the start of his two-day visit in the Philippines.

“That’s why we are negotiating a strong and enduring framework agreement that would enhance defense cooperation under our alliance, including through an increased rotational presence of US forces in the Philippines.

“And that’s why we have committed $40 million for a new initiative to improve the Philippines’ maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

“That’s also why we support efforts to reduce tensions surrounding the territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea,” Kerry said in a joint media briefing with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario on Tuesday. (Watch more in the video below.)

In a separate statement, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the $40-million grant comes from the US Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF).

The US will provide these funds in a span of 3 years, the DFA added.

Kerry slams China

The DFA said the fund “will enhance Philippine law enforcement capabilities in securing maritime borders and combating terrorism.”

On its website, the US State Department said the GSCF aims “to provide security sector assistance for partner countries so they can address emergent challenges and opportunities important to US national security.”

The additional aid comes as tensions between the Philippines and China have risen in recent years. This, after Beijing became more forthright in asserting its claim over most of the potentially resource-rich South China Sea.

Earlier this year, Manila took Beijing to a United Nations tribunal over the contested Scarborough Shoal, which lies about 220 kilometers (135 miles) from the Philippines’ main island of Luzon and has been occupied by Chinese vessels since last year.

On Tuesday, Kerry slammed China as passé in supporting the Philippines’ move to bring the rising superpower to court over their maritime dispute. (READ/WATCH: Kerry slams China’s moves as passé.)

“In this day and age, we should be long past the time of unilateral assertion and coercion as a means of trying to back up that assertion,” the US’ top diplomat said.

Kerry hailed the Philippines, its strategic partner, for filing the unprecedented case against China. (Watch scenes from Kerry’s visit below.)

He said the US “will stand with our friends in the region” who resolve maritime disputes in a “legal and peaceful process.” – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com