Voice of America reports that “U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has announced $40 million in new military aid to the Philippines, a longtime U.S. ally involved in a territorial dispute with China.”

“Kerry made the announcement Tuesday in Manila, where he is meeting with Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and President Benigno Aquino.”

“The aid will help improve the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities and boost counterterrorism operations against a Muslim insurgency in the south.”