MANILA, Philippines - The meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and United States President Barack Obama on Friday (at dawn Saturday, Manila time) will center on strengthened defense cooperation, Palace officials said, fanning concern raised by Beijing about the US projecting muscle in the region.
"The meeting will provide the President the opportunity to convey the Aquino administration’s good governance efforts and its economic and social impact, as well as discuss the Philippines’ efforts to build a minimum credible defense posture," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
Prior to Aquino's meeting with Obama, the Philippines was reported to have agreed to allow US vessels to use naval and air facilities in Subic, Zambales and in Clarkfield, Pampanga---sites of what used to be the largest military bases outside the US mainland, until the Philippine Senate rejected an extension of the bases treaty over 20 years ago. Philippine authorities later clarified this would happen only whenever there are joint military exercises being held.
US vessels will also be allowed to make port of calls for refueling and supply replenishment as part of Washington's move to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Obama-Aquino meeting comes just a few days after Pentagon chief Leon Panetta announced, at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, a shift in the deployment focus of US naval presence, with the bulk going to the Pacific.
Reacting to this, Beijing decried what it said was Washington’s apparent effort to project its military muscle in an area where Beijing had earlier been painted as acting like a bully towards smaller countries which have overlapping claims with it on certain maritime territory.
More mobile deployment – Carandang
In an interview in Washington, Communications Development chief Ricky Carandang said US presence in the Philippines will be in the form of a "more mobile and less permanent deployment."
Before his meeting with Obama, Aquino will first meet with officials of Citigroup, Inc. and the United States Agency for International Development Friday evening.
"The courtesy call will provide the President with the opportunity to discuss the proposals of Citi and USAID, as well as thank USAID for the new grants extended to the Philippines," Vate said.
Aquino will also attend a luncheon hosted by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and seen to give Mr. Aquino an opportunity “to express appreciation to Secretary Clinton for her progressive diplomacy that brought the US closer to East Asia and the Pacific, as well as engage Secretary Clinton in discussions on Philippines-US alliance," Valte added.
The President will depart for Los Angeles at 3:30 am on Saturday (Manila time).
source: interaksyon.com
