US Military returns to Philippines

[jadegil6]

April 27, 2014
The U.S. has reached an agreement with the Philippines for an expanded American military presence, more than 20 years after forces stationed at bases there were pushed out.

Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes announced the 10-year deal – an Enhanced Defense Cooperation agreement — in a briefing with reporters today. He said the arrangement serves the national interest and underscores a “historic commitment to the Pacific.”

When it is signed ahead of President Obama’s arrival in Manila on Monday, it will broaden U.S. access to bases in the Philippines on a rotational, temporary basis, officials said. The deal will allow the Pentagon to move fighter jets and ships in the area, making the U.S. a more present and capable partner in the region.

The officials would not specify the exact numbers of troops or where or when they will arrive in the Philippines, saying those details are still under discussion.

U.S. service members are broadly expected to conduct joint exercises with the armed forces of the Philippines, ranging from disaster response, maritime security, transnational crime and tracking and containing weapons of mass destruction.

[cheryz]

President Barack Obama visit the philippines

The U.S. president’s visit comes at the heels of the Philippines’ move to file a memorial before an international body against China, over claims to the West Philippine Sea.

His visit is also expected to fast-track a new defense deal which will include, among others, increased U.S. military “rotational” presence in the Philippines.

“The treaty alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. has been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region,” Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said.

The U.S. is the Philippines’ only treaty ally. The two countries’ partnership includes joint military exercises such as Balikatan, as well as mutual defense and security assistance.

Coloma said Obama and Aquino will also likely discuss continued cooperation on rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by monster typhoon Yolanda.

[wayne208]

I do not Believe that The U.S. would turn it's back on the Philippine's . Their is to much History between our 2 Countries to just step aside for China or some other country to try and take over the Philippines . I am glad that this is happening for Both Our Countries .

[angel]

i just watch the news and also in yahoo pres. barack obama visits the philippines. i hope they will help us against china. peacefully, no war will happen between china and philippines.

[wayne208]

Angel from what I heard on the News tonight .. The Philippines are going to allow the U.S. to have some small base's .. I think that is good for both our countries . I am not sure how big the Base's will be ?? But I doubt that they will have over 1000 men and women on Them .Yes We do have Ladies in our armed forces .

[angel]

Angel from what I heard on the News tonight .. The Philippines are going to allow the U.S. to have some small base's .. I think that is good for both our countries . I am not sure how big the Base's will be ?? But I doubt that they will have over 1000 men and women on Them .Yes We do have Ladies in our armed forces .

its a good news wayne for us. some women also are in the armed forces here in the philippines. they are really proud of. womens can do what mens do i hope its a big help! its like an allies?

[wayne208]

Angel from what Little I know and have Read .. The only Ally the Philippines has is U.S.A. .. We have a treaty between our 2 Countries . I think That is a Great thing

[jadegil6]

I saw some talk show on Sunday morning where a "supposed" expert was talking about the possible crisis between China and the Philippines, and he was speculating what the US would do. He said that the US would never get involved in a war with China over any territories in the South China Sea. He said that the Philippines was too poor of a country for the US to risk getting into a war over. My opinion is that the US was involved in a war against the Japanese for the Philippines, so there is already a history there. Also, if we have our military reinstated in some bases around the Philippines, then any conflicts that involve the Philippine military will also draw in the US military. If the US stopped buying Chinese goods, then their economy would soon go into a recession since the US is their biggest customer, which leads me to believe that China would not want to risk a war with the US either. It looks like a standoff to me, and I doubt either side would risk a war over the Spradley Islands.

[wayne208]

Jade what You say makes sense . But What if there was Oil around those Islands ?? What Then . One so called expert said that there was Oil around the Islands . I am not 100% sure of that But I do not see the U.S. backing down from a chance of more Oil . Besides We do have that Treaty with The Philippines ..

[angel]

i read your topics sir michael and wayne have great idea, i never concerned what spradley island before now i understand why china wants that island, i hope china will give to philippines the spradley island so no war will be done.