Permanent basing "represents a return to an outdated Cold War" mentality and is not suited to the new, and evolving challenges to security and cooperation in the region, explained Hagel, who is visiting Manila as part of a Southeast Asian swing after attending the ASEAN defense chiefs' meeting in Brunei.
Instead of permanent basing, "we are using a new model of military-to-military cooperation befitting great allies and friends, and looking to increase our rotational presence here, as we have done recently in Singapore and Australia," added Hagel.
He said such an arrangement "would benefit both our militaries by increasing our ability to train and operate together. Deepening engagement opportunities between our forces will further support President Aquino’s defense modernization agenda."
The US and the Philippines are confident of stronger military cooperation, said both sides in a joint press briefing by Hagel and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. "The deep and unbreakable alliance between the United States and Philippines is an anchor for peace and stability and prosperity in this region," said the US defense chief.
Hagel explained that "as the US re-balance to the Asia Pacific makes clear, this region is very important to America’s economic, strategic, and security interests both now and the years to come. So I look forward to continuing our engagement in the region."
"As much as I know, President Obama is looking forward to his upcoming visit" to the region, added Hagel.
They described their talks as "productive" as they tackled ongoing discussions on a framework agreement on increased US rotational presence in the Philippines.
Finally, Hagel said he discussed with President Aquino, and meant to discuss with the ministers, the situation in the South China Sea. He said the US and its allies, partners and friends in this part of the world hope this "will be resolved peacefully and without coercion."
He affirmed US support for ASEAN efforts to negotiate the South China Sea Code of Conduct, "which will help peacefully manage disagreements and tensions arising from competing territorial and maritime claims." He also praised the "Philippines’ efforts to solve its dispute through peaceful means."
For the full text of the opening statements of Secretaries Hagel and Gazmin, pls click here.
source: interaksyon.com
