MANILA - US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to the Philippines this week is expected to bring an announcement of expanded US access to military bases in the country, a senior Philippine official said on Wednesday.
Washington is eager to extend its security options in the Philippines as part of efforts to deter any move by China against self-ruled Taiwan, while Manila wants to bolster defence of its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.
Mr Austin arrived in Manila on Tuesday night, and will meet his Philippine counterpart and other officials on Thursday "to build on our strong bilateral relationship, discuss a range of security initiatives, and advance our shared vision of a free and open Pacific", he said on Twitter.
On Wednesday morning, he visited US troops stationed at a Philippine military camp in the southern city of Zamboanga, according to Major-General Roy Galido, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
"Our working relationship... is very strong," Maj-Gen Galido told reporters, adding that US troops help in counter-terrorism, and humanitarian and disaster response missions.
This story is from the February 02, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 02, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Orchard Road to get virtual twin to woo younger shoppers
The model will mirror malls, shops, hotels from Wheelock Place to The Centrepoint
It's hot in Japan, but can Sony device beat heat here?
ST puts the 249 gadget to the test against bottles of ice-cold water and a portable fan
Top Afghan diplomat in India quits after $2.7m gold smuggling reports
Afghanistan's top diplomat in India resigned days after she was reportedly caught by the airport authorities smuggling nearly US$2 million (S$2.7 million) worth of gold into the country.
Foreign investors hope likely Modi victory will ease business roadblocks
Lack of free trade pacts, high import tariffs, land acquisition woes among their concerns
Rescuers save pets left behind in Indonesia volcano evacuation
People have fled from a remote Indonesian island where a volcano recently unleashed huge eruptions but some folk have braved the dangers to rescue abandoned animals.
Art therapist gives maids an avenue to express bottled up feelings
For the past 15 years, expressive art therapist Daphna Arbell Kehila has been working with shelter residents at the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home).
KOEPKA PEAKING FOR PGA
American rounding the corner’ ahead of next Major with LIV Singapore victory
BRIGHTON DIM VILLA'S HOPES FOR TOP FOUR
Pedro’s late strike earns O win; Chelsea hammer West Ham to lift European chances
BADMINTON GIANTS TOO GOOD AT HOME
China beat Indonesia for Thomas and Uber titles, losers happy with tune-up for Paris
ANT-MAN'S HEROICS NULLIFY NUGGETS
Edwards scores play-off career-high 43pts in Denver to give Timberwolves I-O lead