US seeks expansion of military presence in the Philippines
The United States is seeking an expansion of its military presence in the Philippines under a 2014 defense pact, US and Philippine officials said, one of the initiatives that will be discussed during Vice-president Kamala Harris's visit.
Harris was scheduled to hold talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials on Monday during a two-day visit that will include a trip to western Palawan province facing the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety.
She was expected to reaffirm US commitment to defend the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty in case Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under attack in the disputed waters.
“The United States and the Philippines stand together as friends, partners, and allies,” a statement issued by Harris's aides said. “Now and always, the US commitment to the defense of the Philippines is ironclad.”
A range of US assistance and projects would also be launched by Harris to help the Philippines deal with climate change and looming energy and food shortages. A US official told reporters new areas have been identified and would be developed to expand joint security cooperation and training.
Philippine military chief of staff Lt-gen. Bartolome Bacarro told reporters last week that the US wanted to construct military facilities in five more areas in the northern Philippines.
Two of the new areas proposed by the Americans were in northern Cagayan province, Bacarro said.