Philippines, US to enhance defense alliance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 19): Philippines, US to enhance defense alliance

President Benigno S. Aquino III and United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday agreed to enhance the two countries’ defense ties, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

President Aquino noted the country’s defense and security alliance with the US, “which began more than 60 years ago; to this day, it remains a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific.”

The Philippines thanked the US for its support in the advocacy of upholding the rule of the law in the West Philippine Sea issue and for recognizing the country’s initiation of arbitral proceedings in an open, friendly, durable and rules-based settlement mechanism.

“President Obama and I likewise had a discussion on maritime security, including on the maritime disputes in the region, and how international law should remain the framework for behavior of all countries and for the peaceful resolution of disputes,” President Aquino said. “I take this opportunity to reiterate the Philippines’ view that the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea must be continuously upheld, consistent with international law.”

Aquino cited the United States’ Foreign Military Financing that helped the Philippines respond to security challenges, particularly in the area of maritime security and maritime domain awareness. He also mentioned the significant support US gave in the completion of the National Coast Watch Center that serves as the country’s maritime point of contact for maritime security.

He also expressed support for US efforts on countering violent extremism and promoting cyber security cooperation.

“We also exchanged views on cyber security threats and resolved to explore cooperation in this area, knowing full well that all countries have a stake in maintaining peace and order in cyberspace, so that principles of international law can be applied. This area of collaboration with the United States can impact positively on the capacity of the Philippine Government to effectively and swiftly respond to cyber security threats and challenges,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Obama affirmed that the US alliance with the Philippines remains strong.

“The Philippines and the United States are great allies, so this is an occasion for me to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security and defense of the Philippines. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder: “balikatan.” I am grateful for my partnership with President Aquino, who has been a valuable and trusted friend to the United States,” said President Obama.

“Here in the Philippines, you are pursuing reforms and good governance; together, we support a rule-based order in the region, which is critical to regional security and the global economy. Now, our rebalance to the Asia Pacific is rooted in our treaty alliances, including with the Philippines. Our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, when implemented, will bring our militaries even closer together, and we are especially committed to ensuring maritime security in the region, including freedom of navigation,” he added.

President Obama announced that the US is increasing its maritime assistance to the Philippines to record levels, including two new vessels.

“We discussed the impact of China’s reclamation and construction activities on regional stability. We agreed on the need for bold steps to lower tensions, including pledging to halt further reclamation, new construction, and militarization of disputed areas in the South China Sea,” said Obama. “As President Aquino indicated, disputes need to be resolved peacefully, that’s why the United States support the Philippines’ decision to use arbitration under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to peacefully and lawfully address differences.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001447844302/philippines-us-to-enhance-defense-alliance-