National Security Advisers Of The US, Japan And The Philippines Have Agreed To Strengthen Security Ties

US White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who traveled to Japan for a meeting with his counterparts from Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, is accompanied by US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel as he leaves the prime minister's office after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday. Reuters-Yonhap  

Reuters: U.S., Japan, Philippines Discuss S China Sea, North Korea 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The national security advisers of the United States, Japan and the Philippines on Friday discussed regional security issues and ways to strengthen the trilateral alliance, they said in a joint statement. 

It was the first meeting between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and his counterparts, Akiba Takeo of Japan and Eduardo Ano of the Philippines. 

 "The three (advisers) discussed a wide range of regional security challenges, including with respect to the South China Sea and the East China Sea, as well as North Korea.

In addition, they reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the joint statement said. 

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Update: US, Japan, Philippines agree to strengthen security ties amid tensions over China, North Korea (AP)  

WNU Editor: The U.S. has started to deploy some key assets .... A US nuclear-powered sub arrives in South Korea, a day after North Korea resumes its missile tests (AP).

U.S., Philippines, Japan To Hold First-Ever Joint Coast Guard Exercise

U.S. cutter arrives at Manila port for joint coast guard drills  

Bloomberg: US, Japan, Philippines to Hold Drills Amid China Tensions 

The US will hold joint exercises with Coast Guards from Japan and the Philippines for the first time starting this week amid elevated tensions with China in the region. 

The trilateral drills will be done off Bataan province that’s facing the South China Sea from June 1 to 7, according to a Philippine Coast Guard statement Monday. The exercises will “strengthen interoperability” and will include maritime law enforcement training and maneuvering drills, it said. 

The exercises are unrelated to Manila’s sea dispute with Beijing, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Armand Balilo told reporters. “This is a routine exercise between Coast Guards,” he said, adding that the US and Japan both requested the joint drills. 

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U.S., Philippines, Japan To Hold First-Ever Joint Coast Guard Exercise  

Philippines, U.S., Japan to hold first-ever joint coast guard exercise -- Reuters  

Philippines, U.S., Japan coast guards to hold first joint drills -- Nikkei Asia  

PCG to hold joint drills with US, Japan coast guards off Bataan -- Philstar

U.S. Issues Guidelines On How They Would Defend The Philippines From A South China Sea Attack

US, Philippines establish ground rules to counter China in South China Sea and Taiwan Strait © Provided by South China Morning Post  

Reuters: U.S. issues guidelines on defending Philippines from South China Sea attack 

MANILA (Reuters) - The United States has laid out in clear terms the extent of its defence treaty commitments to the Philippines, issuing new guidelines that refer specifically to attacks in the South China Sea, including on its coast guard. 

The six-page "bilateral defence guidelines" agreed in Washington on Wednesday follow a renewed push under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to update the Mutual Defense Treaty with the former colonial ruler, at a time of increased tension and maritime confrontation with China. 

The guidelines were a first since the treaty was signed in 1951 and follow scores of Philippine diplomatic protests in the past year over what it calls China's "aggressive" actions and threats against its coast guard.  

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 Update: US, Philippines establish ground rules to counter China in South China Sea and Taiwan Strait (SCMP)  

WNU Editor: The U.S. has to be careful. You do not want to be sucked into a major conflict where your national security interests are now at stake.

Philippine President Marcos Jr. To Meet U.S. President Biden At The White House Today

 

The Guardian: US and Philippine presidents meet amid China’s ‘aggressive tactics’ 

Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Joe Biden are expected to discuss the security situation in the South China Sea 

The president of the Philippines is meeting his US counterpart in Washington as the two countries draw closer together against what they say is growing aggression and harassment by China. 

Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Joe Biden will meet in the Oval Office on Monday, during the Philippine president’s four-day US tour. They are expected to discuss the security situation, with the US hoping to strengthen longstanding ties between the two nations as it battles Beijing for influence in Asia.  

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WNU Editor: Tensions with China, military support, and economic assistance will be the topics discussed today. 

Philippine President Marcos Jr. To Meet U.S. President Biden At The White House 

Biden, Marcos set to meet as tensions grow with China -- AP  

Biden to reassure Philippines' Marcos as China tensions flare -- Reuters 

Biden looks to strengthen ties with Philippines as Marcos visits White House -- CNN  

Biden, Philippines president to meet amid tensions with China -- The Hill 

Marcos Jr in US with money, guns and China on his mind -- Asia Times

Philippines Rules Out US Using Its Military Bases To Stockpile Weapons To Defend Taiwan

 

SCMP: US cannot use Philippines to store arms meant for defending Taiwan, Manila says 

* Washington has access to 9 sites near the Taiwan Strait and the disputed South China Sea, under a military defence pact with Manila 

* China has criticised the deal, accusing the US of taking advantage of the bases to interfere in the situation across the Taiwan Strait to serve its 'geopolitical goals' 

The Philippines has ruled out the United States stockpiling weapons that could be deployed to defend Taiwan on bases the security ally has access to under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Washington would not be permitted to conduct activities that were not stipulated in the 2014 deal. "Our view is that EDCA is not aimed at any third country outside its meant for use for the Philippines," Manalo told a senate hearing on Wednesday.  

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Philippines Rules Out US Using Its Military Bases To Stockpile Weapons To Defend Taiwan  

US Military Cannot Refuel, Repair, Reload At Philippines Bases; Cannot Use EDCA To Defend Taiwan — Reports -- EurAsian Times 

US cannot stockpile arms in Philippines to defend Taiwan, says ‘friends to all’ Manila -- First Post 

US cannot stockpile arms to defend Taiwan on our military bases, asserts Philippines -- WION  

Philippines 'cannot Allow US To Stockpile Arms' That Can Be Deployed To Defend Taiwan -- Republic World

US And Philippines Begin Largest-Ever Joint Military Drills

 

BBC: US and Philippines begin largest-ever drills after China exercises 

The US and the Philippines are holding their largest-ever joint military drills a day after China concluded large-scale exercises around Taiwan. 

Over three days, China's military rehearsed blockades of Taiwan in response to the island's leader meeting the US House Speaker last week. 

Washington criticised China's display of firepower as disproportionate, while Taiwan President Tsai said it was "irresponsible" and she had the right to make visits to the US. 

The US drills had been earlier planned. Filipino and US officials say the drills show their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region that is open and free. 

Washington announced last month that their annual Balikatan exercise with the Philippines would be their largest ever - involving more than 17,000 troops, including 12,000 from the US.  

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Update #1: US, Philippines launch largest-ever joint military drills across disputed waters (France 24) 

Update #2: US and Philippines launch biggest joint drills yet in South China Sea (The Guardian/AP)  

WNU Editor: Beijing has responded to these exercises .... China warns as US, Philippines stage combat drills (AP). More here .... China issues warning as US, Philippines stage largest-ever drills (FOX News).

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Says New U.S. Bases Will Be Scattered Across The Country

NOW: PH defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr., US Air Force Sec. Frank Kendall III, US Ambassador to the PH MaryKay Carlson, PH Air Force Acting CG MGen Ramon Guiang lead groundbreaking ceremony of Basa Air Base EDCA runway rehabilitation project. | via @biancadava pic.twitter.com/l1TSFSzy3n

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 20, 2023

EurAsian Times: US Acquires ‘Critical’ Military Base Overlooking Taiwan & Claimed By China; Beijing Calls The Move ‘Provocative’ 

Amidst Chinese criticism mounting over the American role in the South China Sea, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced that four new military bases under a defense agreement with the US would be scattered across the country, including one in a province overlooking Taiwan. 

“There are four extra sites scattered around the Philippines — there are some in the North, there are some around Palawan, there is some further South,” Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of the Filipino army’s founding anniversary. 

The announcement comes after one of the most advanced fighter jets of the US Air Force, the F-22 Raptor, exercised with the Philippines Air Force (PAF) earlier this week, making it the first time the top-notch jet had visited the nation. 

The Filipino President further stated that his country and the US would reveal the locations of the bases soon, adding the sites would strengthen the country’s capabilities to protect the “eastern half” of its main island, Luzon.  

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WNU Editor: The Philippines President is defending his decision .... Marcos defends US military presence, which China opposes (AP). China has responded to this U.S. - Philippine defense agreement .... US making Philippines a pawn as it pushes for access to more military bases: expert (Global Times).

U.S. Gets Access To 9 Military Bases In The Philippines (Update)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (C) reviews honour guards upon arrival at the Department of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo military camp in Quezon City, Metro Manila on February 2, 2023. © Rolex Dela Pena, AFP 

EurAsian Times: US Gets Access To 9 Military Bases In The Philippines; China Warns Manila Of Being ‘Dragged Into Troubled Waters’ 

With the US military steadily securing expanded access to critical military sites in the Philippines, China has warned this could lead to the Philippines being taken advantage of and dragged into troubled waters. 

Amid mounting concern over China’s increasing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea and tension over self-ruled Taiwan, the US military managed to secure access to four additional bases in the Philippines. 

The United States already had access to five military bases in the Philippines. The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippines’ Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez said in a joint news conference at the Philippine military headquarters in Manila that the United States would be given access to four more bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).  

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Update #1: US secures key military deal with the Philippines to counter Beijing’s growing regional influence (France 24)  

Update #2: Why the Philippines Is Letting the U.S. Expand Its Military Footprint in the Country Again (Time)  

WNU Editor: This is a major reversal by the Philippines and a sign that Manila has concerns on what China's ambitions are .... US, Philippines to restart joint patrols in South China Sea (AFP).

US Secures Major Deal On Philippines Military Bases

 

BBC: US secures deal on Philippines bases to complete arc around China 

The US has secured access to four additional military bases in the Philippines - a key bit of real estate which would offer a front seat to monitor the Chinese in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. 

With the deal, Washington has stitched the gap in the arc of US alliances stretching from South Korea and Japan in the north to Australia in the south. 

The missing link had been the Philippines, which borders two of the biggest potential flashpoints - Taiwan and the South China Sea. 

The deal, which in part reverses the US' departure from their former colony more than 30 years ago, is no small matter. 

"There is no contingency in the South China Sea that does not require access to the Philippines," says Gregory B Poling, director of the Southeast Asia programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. 

"The US is not looking for permanent bases. It's about places, not bases."  

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WNU Editor: This is all about forming a military alliance to contain Chinese ambitions. Not surprising, the Chinese are watching this very closely .... US advances deal to access more military bases in the Philippines amid protests (Global Times). 

US Secures Major Deal On Philippines Military Bases  

US to widen military presence in Philippines amid China fear -- AP  

Philippines grants U.S. greater access to bases amid China concerns -- Reuters  

U.S. to Boost Military Role in the Philippines in Push to Counter China -- DNYUZ/New York Times  

U.S. reaches military base access agreement in the Philippines -- Washington Post  

US, Philippines announce new agreement to ramp up military presence amid China-Taiwan tensions -- FOX News  

US to get expanded military base access in the Philippines -- CNN  

US seals crucial military deal with the Philippines close to China flashpoints -- The Guardian  

U.S., Philippines Add Four More Sites to EDCA Military Basing Agreement -- USNI News 

Philippines grants U.S. military expanded access to bases amid China tensions -- Axios

Secretary Of Defense Austin In Philippines To Discuss A Larger US Military Presence

Wheels down in the 🇵🇭 Philippines where I’ll meet with Secretary of National Defense Galvez & other senior leaders to build on our strong bilateral relationship, discuss a range of security initiatives, and advance our shared vision of a #freeandopenpacific. pic.twitter.com/Cu5lhfmqBh

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) January 31, 2023

GMA News: US Defense chief Austin arrives in PH to meet with Galvez  

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday night. 

He was met at the airport by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.  

Austin will meet with his Philippine counterpart Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. 

"Wheels down in the [PH flag] Philippines where I’ll meet with Secretary of National Defense Galvez & other senior leaders to build on our strong bilateral relationship, discuss a range of security initiatives, and advance our shared vision of a #freeandopenpacific," Austin tweeted, sharing a video of him being given honors upon disembarking from the plane.  

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WNU Editor: His visit is to secure access to key Philippine bases .... US military poised to secure new access to key Philippine bases (Washington Post). 

Secretary Of Defense Austin In Philippines To Discuss A Larger US Military Presence  

Austin in Philippines to discuss larger US military presence -- AP  

Austin to tackle larger US military presence in Philippines -- Philippine Star  

Pentagon chief Austin visits PH for 2nd time -- ABC-CBN

Marines From US, Philippines, South Korea, and Japan Conduct War-games Near Disputed Reef In South China Sea

 

Daily Mail: Marines storm a beach near disputed reef in South China Sea as part of wargames featuring thousands of soldiers from US, Philippines and South Korea after Beijing's military drills around Taiwan 

* The KAMANDAG exercises between US and Philippines kicked off Monday and will go on until October 14 

* Marines from both nations and South Korea stormed beach close to a disputed area in South China Sea today 

* The drills were held just 150 miles off Scarborough Shoal, a territory seized by China in 2012 from Philippines 

* The exercises aimed to improve Philippine military's coastal defence capability and invasion readiness 

* It comes after China held a series of huge war games off coast of Taiwan which raised alarm bells 

US and Philippine marines stormed a beach near a disputed rocky outcrop in the South China Sea on Friday as part of joint military drills involving more than 3,500 troops. 

The KAMANDAG exercises - the Philippines' acronym for 'Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea' - kicked off Monday and will be held across the country's main island of Luzon until October 14. 

Around 300 troops were involved in Friday's amphibious drills held on an uninhabited beach in Zambales province, about 150 miles east of Scarborough Shoal, which China seized from the Philippines in 2012.  

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Marines From US, Philippines, South Korea, and Japan Conduct War-games Near Disputed Reef In South China Sea  

Philippines, US, Japan, S.Korea conduct joint drills -- NHK 

Philippines, US Marines kick off large-scale drills -- Radio Free Asia  

US, Philippine forces hold combat drills to brace for crisis -- AP  

Marine Corps Kicks off Exercises in Japan and the Philippines -- National Interest

US Says It Will Back Philippines If War Breaks Out Against China

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks in the briefing room of the State Department in Washington, D.C., Jan. 7, 2022. Andrew Harnik/Pool via Reuters  

IBTimes: South China Sea Tensions: US Says It Will Back Philippines If War Breaks Out 

* U.S. urged China to abide by international law and cease its provocative behavior 

* Manila also hailed the Hague ruling, saying it cannot be denied by anyone 

* The previous Duterte administration shelved the ruling to get Beijing on its side 

The U.S. has reiterated its support to the Philippines, stating it will back Manila in the event of an armed conflict in the South China Sea. 

Washington's statement came on the sixth anniversary of the significant Hague ruling, which rejected China's nine-dash claim over the South China Sea in favor of the Philippines, according to Philstar. 

"We also reaffirm that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke the U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a press statement.  

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WNU Editor: Will the US go to war against China to defend the Philippines? US Secretary of State Blinken says yes! 

US Says It Will Back Philippines If War Breaks Out Against China 

US warns it will defend ally if China breaks sea ruling -- AP  

U.S. Slams China "Intimidation" of Philippines After South China Sea Ruling -- Newsweek  

US warns it will defend Philippines in South China Sea -- DW

President Duterte Restores Philippines’s Key Military Agreement With US

Duterte's office said the Philippine president and Austin 'had an open and frank discussion of the status and future direction' of the Philippines-US ties [Robinson Ninal/Malacanang Handout Photo via Reuters] 

 

The Hill: Duterte restores pact allowing US war exercises 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte recommitted his country to a key military agreement with the U.S. during a visit by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin after repeatedly threatening to terminate the pact. 

Austin, along with Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, announced the restoration of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) during a joint press briefing from Manila on Friday. 

Austin thanked Duterte for the renewal, adding, “A strong, resilient US-Philippines alliance will remain vital to the security, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific," according to CNN. 

Read more .... 

More News On President Duterte Restoring Philippines’s Key Military Agreement With The US  

Philippine leader retains pact allowing US war exercises -- AP 

Philippines renews key military agreement with the United States -- CNN  

The Philippine President Says Long-Standing Security Pact With The U.S. Can Continue -- NPR  

Philippine President fully restores key U.S. troop pact -- NBC  

Duterte restores Philippines’s key military agreement with US -- Al Jazeera

US Provides Missiles And Bombs To The Philippine Military. Renews Pledge To Defend Philippines

 

The Hill: O'Brien announces delivery of missiles, bombs to Philippines 

National security adviser Robert O'Brien on Monday announced that the U.S. government was sending the Philippine military an arsenal of missiles and bombs in an apparent show of support to its ally as it deals with Islamic militants and territory disputes. 

At a ceremony in Manila, O’Brien announced the delivery of the weapons on behalf of President Trump. According to Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Trump pledged $18 million worth of missiles when speaking to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during a phone conversation in the spring.  

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 More News On the U.S. Providing Weapons To The Philippine Military 

'We've got your back' - Trump advisor vows U.S. support in South China Sea -- Reuters 

US provides missiles, renews pledge to defend Philippines -- AP 

US missile sale to Philippines fires up China -- Asia Times 

Philippines anti-terror campaign gets US boost -- Arab News 

‘We’re not leaving’: Trump security advisor says Washington committed to deterring Beijing amid S. China Sea dispute -- RT 

Senior US Official Seeks to Shore up Vital Southeast Asian Partnerships -- The Diplomat