U.S. Defense Secretary to visit the Philippines to seek to expand the U.S. military stationed in the Philippines wheel

August 30, U.S. Secretary of Defense

Hagel visit to the Philippines. Pictured Philippine President Benigno Aquino (R) at the Presidential Palace met Chuck Hagel (left). (Malacanang agency issued photo)

China news agency, Manila Hagel the 30th U.S. Secretary of Defense in Manila claimed that the U.S. military did not seek to establish permanent military bases in the Philippines, but we hope to expand in the Philippines of the "deployment rotation."

Hagel had been continuous access to Malaysia and Indonesia, and Brunei to attend ADMM, the Philippines is his second trip to Southeast Asia last stop. Hagel on the 30th went to Philippine President Corazon Aquino visited Malacanang presidential palace, and later with the Philippine Defense Secretary Jia Siming in the joint press conference held in the Presidential Palace.

Hagel said at the press conference, the United States does not seek to establish permanent military bases in the Philippines, and means "This represents a retreat outdated Cold War mentality." He declared that the U.S. military is using a new mode of cooperation, hopes to expand the U.S. military presence in the Philippines rotation, so that the US-Philippine military, can benefit from, but also for President Aquino's defense modernization program to provide support.

The Philippines is a military ally of the United States, the two countries on the expansion of U.S. military official is currently stationed in the Philippines Round negotiations, hoping to reach a framework agreement. Philippine Defense Secretary Jia Siming said on that day, once the framework agreement is reached, if necessary, the Philippines would allow U.S. forces to use all military facilities in the country, rather than confined to a military facility in Subic Bay.

According to reports, Philippine President Aquino met with Hagel had talked about the situation in the South China Sea. Hagel in the press conference claimed that U.S. support for the South China Sea code of conduct consultations ASEAN's efforts, but also to encourage the parties to the peaceful settlement of disputes, not to change the status quo and take the "threat" or militarization move.