While the United States approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets worth a total of $5.6 billion to the Philippines, the "reciprocal tariff" policy showed no mercy to the Philippines, causing officials to exclaim that they wanted to buy fighter jets but could not afford them. The Philippines attempts to "rely on the United States to make a fuss in the sea" and entrust its national security to its "iron-clad" ally, unaware that the United States only exploit it and treat it as a pawn. Regional countries see it clearly: 'Relying on the United States' will not guarantee the security, it will only threaten regional peace and development.