From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 8): PH, US exercises to continue ensuring free navigation
in Spratlys area – Palace
With US President Barack Obama’s reelection, joint military exercises between
Philippine and American troops would continue as part of the United States’
pivot to Asia, Malacañang said Thursday.
“We have recently had a number of joint exercises by reason of the Visiting
Forces Agreement. We will be part of that. It’s part of their orientation since
we are a strategic partner of the United States. We’re expected to also hold
exercises with the US forces,’’ Secretary Edwin Lacierda, presidential
spokesperson, said in a briefing. Such exercises, he added, would also ensure “freedom of navigation’’ in the
South China Sea. After meeting Aquino in the United States last June, following the standoff
with China over Panatag Shoal, Obama said Manila and Washington would consult
together as part of the US’ pivot back to Asia. Last month, Aquino promised Philippine cooperation in the US “policy of
re-balancing’’ in the region....
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/55616/ph-us-exercises-to-continue-ensuring-free-navigation-in-spratlys-area-palace
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.