South China Sea
Philippine Navy Special Operations Group prepare to board a suspicious vessel during the Balikatan war games in 2010. Reuters

Amid its dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea, the Philippines will boost its military power over the next two years. With the support of President Benigno Aquino III, as well as $30 million from the United States, the Filipino military will add more than 40 aircraft -- including attack helicopters -- and other weapons to its arsenal.

While the Philippines says it wants to find a peaceful end to its standoff with China over the Scarborough Shoal, Aquino promised that he would not back down, according to the Washington Post. Along with military aid, the U.S. is sending a second former Coast Guard cutter to augment the Philippines navy.

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