Secretary of State Kerry said the US will provide $40 million over a three-year period to the Philippines, to be split between the Philippines Coast Guard for maritime security and the Philippines National Police for counterterrorism efforts. He reiterated that the US does not recognize China’s recently claimed air defense zone over the East China Sea. Kerry also denied that the US had met with the Islamic Front in Syria but said it could happen. The Senate voted to confirm Jeh Johnson as head of the Department of Homeland Security, to replace Janet Napolitano, who resigned in August. A new US military unit assumed command of the NATO Patriot missile batteries in Gazientep, Turkey.
