U.S. and Philippine officials will meet this week to discuss expanding American presence in the Asian nation, a senior diplomat said, amid tensions with China over its claims to vast waters in the region.
The meetings in Manila on Tuesday, December 11, and Wednesday, December 12, will have a special focus on defense and regional matters, Philippine Assistant Secretary for U.S. affairs Carlos Sorreta told reporters.
"Foremost in the agenda is the increased rotational presence" of U.S. forces in the Philippines, he said Monday, December 10. This refers to U.S. troops and ships passing through the country for training or exercises, circumventing a constitutional ban on foreign bases in the Philippines. Full story
