Monday, April 28, 2014

U.S. - Philippines Agree To A Defense Pact



U.S., Philippines Sign Defense Pact Amid China Shoal Tensions -- Bloomberg

The Philippines and the U.S. signed an agreement today that will boost the American troop presence in the Southeast Asian nation, as it seeks to counter China’s assertiveness over territorial disputes.

Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg signed the 10-year accord in Manila a few hours before President Barack Obama arrives for a two-day visit. The U.S. doesn’t intend to establish a permanent military presence in the country, Goldberg said at the ceremony.

President Benigno Aquino is strengthening military ties with countries like the U.S., which is treaty-bound to defend the Philippines in case of attack, as China pushes its claims in the South China Sea. The agreement is also aimed at bolstering Obama’s economic and security rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific region.

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More News On The U.S. - Philippine Defense Pact

US, Philippines sign deal on military accord -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP
US signs 10-year deal with manila that will give it a larger military presence in Philippines -- FOX News/AP
Philippines, US sign defence pact ahead of Obama's visit -- Straits Times
Obama in Asia: Military deal tops Philippine agenda -- BBC
Philippines Signs Pact to Allow Greater U.S. Troop Presence -- WSJ

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