Strategic dialogue to discuss expanded US military in PH
by Rodney Jaleco, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
January 26, 2012

  WASHINGTON D.C. –  The 2nd Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) between the Philippines and United States begin discussions tomorrow on a host of issues that reportedly include an expanded American military presence in the Philippines.
Media reports here suggested both the Philippines and US are seeking an arrangement that would allow more American troops to be stationed in the country, even if only temporarily, to assuage fears by Southeast Asian nations against growing Chinese aggression in the region.

The BSD will be held for 2 days at the Department of State.

The Philippine side is composed of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio and Defense Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Lorenzo Batino.

The US will be represented by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Peter Lavoy.

The 1st BSD was held January 27-28 last year in Manila.

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