Tag: philippines

Maritime disputes heat up between China, Philippines and Vietnam

China has found itself embroiled in two separate incidents surrounding maritime disputes. In the South China Sea, Vietnam’s navy tried to stop Chinese oil drilling, while Filipino police detained a Chinese fishing boat. Tensions threatened to flare between China and the governments in Vietnam and Philippines on Wednesday over existing maritime disputes in the oil- and natural gas-rich South China Sea. The Vietnamese government reported on Wednesday that one of its ships had hit a […]

Philippines and US start Balikatan exercises

The Philippines and the United States started its two-week Balikatan exercises involving 5,500 soldiers from both countries, after United States President Barack Obama’s promise to support the Philippines in its territorial dispute against China.

Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and United States of America: What We Should Know

United States President Barack Obama has already concluded his two-day state visit to the Philippines.  One of the highlights of his visit is the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The 10-year agreement allows the US military access to the country’s military bases for the next decade. This agreement was met with protests as militant groups declared it unconstitutional.  They claimed that the agreement was fast-tracked so that it will be signed before […]

Protesters Rally Against ‘EDCA’

(Reuters) — Nearly 800 Philippine protesters gathered near the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Monday to condemn a newly signed defense pact with the United States. The Philippines and the United States signed on Monday a 10-year defense pact that would expand the rotational presence of U.S. forces in the country, making the deal just a few hours before the expected arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama for a state visit. The “Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement” (EDCA) was signed by Philippine Defense […]

Obama says ‘EDCA’ beneficial to both countries

MANILA, April 28 (PNA) — United States President Barack Obama said the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the US and the Philippines will benefit the two countries, particularly on military readiness and response to calamities. In a press conference with President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang on Monday, Obama said the goal of the new defense cooperation agreement is wide-ranging. The US President said that both countries have maintained strong alliance […]

Obama: U.S.’ role is to deploy military force only as a last resort

MANILA, Philippines April 28  (ENS) — United States President Barack Obama stressed his country’s’ role in an increasingly turbulent world situation as one wherein military force would only be used as a “last resort.” In a joint press conference with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III in Malacanang, Obama said that there would always be territorial disputes around the world but the use of military force had been proven by history as something that should be […]

Expanded U.S.-PHL bilateral meeting begins

MANILA, Philippines — United States President Barack Obama and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III started bilateral meetings, along with officials from both sides, in Malacanang at around 2:30 p.m. Before this, Obama signed the official guestbook in Malacanang. Both leaders appeared to be in high spirits as they discussed issues during the meeting. Security and trade issues are expected to be discussed in the meeting. Later in the afternoon, both Obama and Aquino were expected to […]

Air Force One lands in NAIA; U.S. President Obama now in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The United States’ Air Force One  landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 1:30 p.m.with U.S. President Barack Obama on board.  Obama disembarked from the plane and was greeted by Philippine officials.  He came from his visit in Malaysia. The U.S. President then boarded a US presidential chopper which will bring him to Malacanang where Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will be leading the welcome ceremony for the U.S. head of […]

U.S. President Obama set to arrive in Manila today; Asian stability tops agenda

MANILA, Philippines —  United States President Barack Obama is set to arrive in the country today, as he departs from Malaysia where he has said that the U.S. is committed to helping maintain the peace and stability in Asia. “I believe that together we can make the Asia Pacific more secure, and America has the strongest melter in the world but we don’t see conflict, we see to keep the peace. We want a future where disputes are resolved peacefully […]

Philippines, U.S. sign new military pact

BY ROSEMARIE FRANCISCO AND MATT SPETALNICK MANILA/KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – The United States and the Philippines have signed a new 10-year security pact on Monday that will allow for a larger U.S. military presence as it struggles to raise its defense capabilities amid territorial disputes with China. The agreement, which establishes a framework for a beefed-up rotation of U.S. troops, ship and warplanes through the Philippines, was formally sealed just hours before U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in Manila, […]