Philippines, United States reach military pact
Iran Press TV
Fri Apr 11, 2014 2:45PM GMT
A Filipino official says the country has reached a pact with the United States on allowing American military forces to access its local bases.
Both sides reached a "consensus on key points" during the eighth round of talks, said Pio Lorenzo Batino, Undersecretary of Defense and chair of the Philippine negotiating panel, on Friday.
Military sources added that the agreement would increase ship visits and deployment of surveillance aircraft.
The agreement is expected to be approved during US President Barack Obama's visit to the Asian nation on April 28-29.
The measure follows mounting tensions over the South China Sea between China, Japan, the Philippines, as well as the United States.
China and the Philippines have had recurring standoffs over the disputed territories of the South China Sea.
Analysts have warned that the Philippines risks losing part of its sovereignty by agreeing to expand the US military presence in the country. This is while, Washington is sending a signal to the region that it supports the Philippines' claims over the South China Sea dispute.
Manila once hosted thousands of American troops until they were evicted in 1992.
The United States plans to reconfigure its military forces in the Asia-Pacific region, with similar arrangements between Australia and Singapore.
GMA/AB
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