US, Philippines Pact to Allow Greater US Military Presence

Local Editor

The United States and the Philippines will sign a 10-year defense agreement on Monday that will allow US warships, aircraft and troops greater access to bases in the Philippines, US officials said on Sunday.

The new 10-year military pact will give the American military greater access to selected military camps across the Philippines and allow it to preposition fighter jets and ships.

Further details of the size, duration and location of the increased US presence are yet to be worked out, according to USA Today, citing White House officials.

A Philippine government primer on the defense accord that was seen by the Associated Press did not indicate how many additional US servicemembers would be deployed "on temporary and rotational basis." It said that the number would depend on the scale of joint military activities to be held in the camps.

Furthermore, the agreement opens the way for the first large-scale return of American military forces to the island nation since their eviction at the end of the Cold War, according to the White House.

The recent announcement which is the biggest policy achievement to come out of US President Barack Obama's week-long trip to Asia is likely to generate criticism from Chinese officials, who have made it clear they oppose a heightened U.S. presence in the area.
The agreement came in advance of President Barack Obama's visit to Manila on Monday, the last stop on his four-country Asian tour. Obama has already visited Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team