TAIPEI: The Philippine president’s proposed cancellation of a 32-year-old military pact with the United States gives regional power China chances to strengthen its influence in Asia as U.S. military units would visit less often. Chinese naval ships, military aircraft and coast guard-escorted fishing vessels would find it easier to move around the disputed South China […]

DefenceTalkPhilippine President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to hold military exercises with China but not longtime ally the United States, Chinese media quoted him Monday as saying on the eve of a state visit. Duterte heads to Beijing on Tuesday for a four-day trip that appears set to cement his dramatic foreign policy tilt away from […]https://www.defencetalk.com/philippine-leader-open-to-war-games-with-china-russia-68411/

DefenceTalkAs fears grow that China is on an aggressive South China Sea territorial grab, a sleepy Philippine village is being transformed into a major naval base that may host US warships. Ulugan Bay, a small, picturesque cove encircled by thick mangroves, has suddenly become a vital part of the Philippine military’s efforts to shore up […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-fears-spur-philippine-naval-upgrade-59901/

DefenceTalkThe Philippine government and Muslim rebels on Sunday signed a crucial power sharing accord, paving the way for a final peace agreement aimed at ending a decades-long insurgency that has killed tens of thousands. The power sharing annex had been considered highly contentious, with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels seeking greater authority over a proposed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/philippines-rebels-sign-power-sharing-accord-49862/