Meifang to speak of expanding its military presence in the Philippines, the United States

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel,
30, said, has been with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino discuss expanding the U.S. military presence in the Philippines concerned, however, the United States has no intention in the Philippines seeking to establish new permanent military base.

Table optimistic
Hagel 30, said during the visit to the Philippines, the United States began earlier this month between the two countries on the expansion of U.S. military presence in the Philippines to negotiate, he and Aquino III "once again confirm the progress of negotiations."

Hagel told AFP reporters that progress in the negotiations popular and inspiring. "I noticed that in the near future in order to reach a framework agreement, the negotiations between our two teams are working hard."

Philippines and U.S. negotiators on the 14th of this month to expand its military presence in the Philippines, the United States held the first round of negotiations on the framework agreement, the two sides will hold four talks, and strive to be completed before the end of the year.

Both delegations on the 29th in Washington to open a new round of talks to discuss the Philippines to allow more U.S. troops temporarily stored in various locations in the Philippines and the deployment of personnel and equipment and supplies, aircraft and boats.

As U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Southeast Asia later this year, Hagel optimistic stance on the negotiation process so that speculation, negotiations could be completed before the Obama visit.

Hagel said: "I spoke with President Obama, he was really looking forward to the visit to Southeast Asia."

Eliminate suspicion

• Fearing U.S. troops stationed in the Philipp

ines, the Philippines will lead to domestic conflict, Hagel said the U.S. intention to establish a new permanent military bases in the Philippines.

Hagel with Philippine Defense Secretary Jia Siming Bor tere · attend a joint news conference, said: "The United States does not seek to establish in the Philippines a new permanent bases ...... it is outdated 'Cold War' mentality."

He said: "Instead, we will use a suitable two allies ...... new model of military cooperation, just like we do in Singapore and Australia, as I hope to increase our wheel in the Philippines in nature (military) exist. "

Philippines was a U.S. colony, the two sides previously maintained long-term military alliance. In 1991, the Philippine Senate repeal Philippine-US military bases agreement, ending the U.S. troops stationed in the Philippines 93 years old.

In 1998, the two countries signed the "Visiting Forces Agreement," the U.S. military to return to the Philippines, the military stationed in the southern Philippines region, providing training to the Philippine military to fight the rebels. In addition, the two countries often hold joint military exercises in the Philippines, the U.S. warships and warplanes frequently visited by the military exercises in Subic Bay base in the Philippines and other places.

Objected
Agence France-Presse reported that despite instability in the Middle East, Hagel said the United States remains the strategic focus on Asia.

Hagel said that because the U.S. Asia-Pacific rebalancing strategy, the region now and in the coming years on the U.S. economic, strategic and security interests is very important.

Philippine Defense Secretary Jia Siming said that negotiations could make the U.S. military to regain the right to use Subic Bay. "Subic Bay belongs to the negotiations referred to the U.S. military will use one of the facilities once the negotiations are completed, we will provide all (Framework Agreement) facilities necessary to use the right."

However, the US-Philippine bilateral negotiations lead to the Philippine domestic opposition voices.

Left-wing parties "national" movement Secretary-General Renato Reyes said: "The Philippine government must reject the U.S. to use the Philippines as a de facto military base facilities plan

...... United States may use the Philippines as a staging ground for military intervention elsewhere in the world , resulting not from the Philippines embroiled in its own interests and not intended to conflict. "