U.S. and Philippines Increase Their Air And Sea Presence In The South China Sea

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WSJ: U.S. Stationing Warplanes in Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions

Move comes amid concern that Beijing plans to build a military base within striking distance of Manila

MANILA—The U.S. will start stationing warplanes in the Philippines this week as the vanguard of a major deployment to the Southeast Asian country as the allies move to counter Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The U.S. and the Philippines also began joint patrols of the South China Sea last month, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Thursday. Both moves come amid growing concern that China has plans to build a military base at a disputed reef within striking distance of Manila.

“In the South China Sea, China’s actions…are causing anxiety and raising regional tensions,” Mr. Carter told reporters at the presidential palace, where he met President Benigno Aquino III. The U.S. deployment is designed “to tamp down tensions here” and wouldn’t provoke a showdown with Beijing, he said.

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WU Editor: This is a major deployment of U.S. forces, and to show everyone in ther egion that the U.S. and Philippines are serious .... US fires missiles in Philippines war games near South China Sea (Asia Times).

More News On The U.S. And The Philippines Boosting Their Military Presence In The South China Sea

US Sending Commandos, Combat Aircraft to Philippines -- AP
U.S. announces ramped-up military presence in Philippines -- Reuters
U.S. and Philippines Bolster Air and Sea Presence in South China Sea -- NYT
U.S. ramps up military presence in Philippines, starts joint patrols in South China Sea -- Washington Post
US to ramp up military presence in Philippines amid regional tension -- DW
U.S.-Philippines enhance military alliance -- CNN
US reveals rare joint navy patrols with Philippines -- BBC
U.S. reveals joint patrols in South China Sea with Philippines -- AP
U.S. Starts Navy Patrols With Philippines in South China Sea -- Bloomberg
US Announces Joint Patrols With Philippines in South China Sea -- VOA
U.S., Philippines conduct joint patrol of South China Sea -- UPI
U.S., Philippines Conduct Joint Patrols In South China Sea -- NPR