Obama: US goal not to counter China
Iran Press TV
Mon Apr 28, 2014 4:10PM
US President Barack Obama insists that a new military pact signed with the Philippines is not designed to counter Chinese aggression in the region.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, signed Monday as Obama arrived in the Philippines, will give US forces greater access to military camps and allow them to preposition fighter jets and warships in the archipelagic nation.
The pact is being seen as an effort by Washington to contain China which has territorial disputes with its neighbors in the South China Sea, including with the Philippines.
Obama said his message to China is, 'We want to be a partner with you in upholding international law.'
'Our goal is not to counter China. Our goal is not to contain China. Our goal is to make sure international rules and norms are respected and that includes in the area of international disputes,' Obama said in a press conference with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III.
The Philippine president said the agreement was aimed at deepening US-Philippine ties and would promote "regional peace and security."
Obama's visit to the Philippines is the last stop of a four-nation trip to East Asia which included Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. At each stop along his tour, Obama reaffirmed the US commitments to defend its Asian allies, including in their territorial disputes with China.
HRJ/HRJ
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