Washington D.C.—US President Joe Biden underlined America’s “ironclad” commitment to defending the Philippines as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. referred to “difficult times” as the country finds itself in a region with “arguably the most complicated--
President Ferdinand President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shakes hands with US President Joe Biden during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at the White House Monday afternoon .
“You know, when we met in New York last year, you told me that the strong alliance has to continue… I’m using your phrase, ‘to evolve as we face the challenges of this new century.’ And we are facing new challenges. And I can’t think of any better partner to have than you.” In a fact sheet released by the White House, the US government said it will provide additional assets to the Philippine military in support of the latter’s modernization efforts.
The tension, combined with constant saber rattling over Taiwan – the democratically run island that Beijing claims but Washington vows to help defend — has prompted the Biden administration to rapidly bolster its military capabilities.In his opening remarks, Mr. Marcos noted with concern the escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific and cited US assistance in maintaining peace and contribution to the stability and development of the region.
However, this month, the Philippines identified four military bases – in addition to five existing sites – where US forces will be given access, including one located near the tense Spratly Islands and two others near Taiwan.That has alarmed China, which accuses Washington of trying to drive a wedge between Beijing and Manila—even though its own actions have driven the Philippines closer to its treaty ally.
In a joint statement, Mr. Marcos and Biden hailed the “remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serve as the foundation of the US-Philippines alliance.” The two leaders also affirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which they described as an “indispensable element of global security and prosperity.”
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