Duterte Says US Forces Must Be Prepared to Leave Following Economic Aid Halt

© AFP 2016/ BAY ISMOYO

 

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The US military forces must be prepared to leave Philippines as their presence in the country is not needed, President Rodrigo Duterte said following the US announcement to halt economic aid to Manila protesting Duterte’s anti-drug policy, which reportedly resulted in deaths of over 2,000 people at the hands of the police.

Philippines Move to Allow Japan Use of Military Bases

Japanese aircraft and vessels may soon be allowed to refuel on Filipino islands after Filipino President Benigno Aquino iii announced Friday that he was ready to begin talks over the issue.

PHL plans air, naval bases in Subic with access for US forces

The Philippine military has revived plans to build new air and naval bases at Subic Bay, a former U.S. naval base that American forces could use to counter China’s creeping presence in the disputed South China Sea, senior navy officials said.

The proposed bases in the Philippines, a close US ally, coincides with a resurgence of US warships, planes and personnel in the region as Washington turns its attention to a newly assertive China and shifts its foreign, economic and security policy towards Asia.