Bigger US military role in Philippines sought
But talks exclude new bases
By DJ Yap, Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 27, 2012

  The United States is planning the expansion of its military presence in the Philippines, including the stationing of US Navy ships on a temporary basis and the conduct of more frequent joint exercises, in response to China’s growing assertiveness in the Asia Pacific.

Philippine defense and military officials confirmed a Washington Post report on Thursday that the two countries were negotiating a deal that would increase cooperation between the two militaries, but stressed that the tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) over the disputed Spratly Islands was only part of the equation.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the terms of such an agreement would still be dictated by the Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows the periodic visits of US troops for joint training and exercises.

“Well, first of all, it’s true that the United States wants to expand its presence in the region, which is why they will put up a base in Australia and station ships in Singapore. But in the Philippines, [it involves] exercises that will still be in accordance with our Visiting Forces Agreement,” Gazmin said.

On Thursday, the Washington Post reported that the United States, in talks with Philippine officials in Washington, was considering “operating Navy ships from the Philippines, deploying troops on a rotational basis and staging more frequent joint exercises,” among other options.

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