Defense News/AFP: Philippines Seeks Joint Patrols With US in South China Sea
MANILA — The Philippines has called for joint patrols with the United States in the disputed South China Sea, where Manila has festering territorial dispute with Beijing, a defense department spokesman said Thursday.
The remarks came after the Philippine's Supreme Court upheld a 10-year security agreement opening the door for the US to operate more troops and equipment out of the Southeast Asian archipelago.
"There is a need for more collaborative presence in the South China Sea. Thus, in addition to freedom of navigation operations of the US, we are also suggesting that we patrol the area together," spokesman Peter Paul Galvez told reporters.
Update #1: Philippines urges patrols with U.S. amid sea dispute with China (Reuters)
Update #2: Philippines to offer US military use of eight bases (The Guardian/AFP)
WNU Editor: The Chinese are not happy with this greater U.S. involvement .... China state news agency criticizes US-Philippines base deal (AP).
Update #3: And now the Japanese are getting involved .... Japan’s Emperor to Make Historic Philippines Visit (Prashanth Parameswaran, The Diplomat). And also with this .... Japan Expands Military Presence in S China Sea Amid Tensions With China (Sputnik)
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