U.S. sees no need for new RP defense deal

U.S. sees no need for new RP defense deal

MANILA (DPA): The United States' ambassador to the Philippines said yesterday there was no need to alter existing defense arrangements between the two countries amid concerns over possible Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

The American ambassador to Manila, Thomas Hubbard, said the U.S. was not seeking a new base in the Philippines, noting that the two nations' Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) already "helps provide for a U.S. military presence in the Pacific region".

"We are very satisfied with our MDT as it now stands," Hubbard said. "We think this MDT is a good document that serves our mutual interest."

Hubbard's remarks came after Philippine Senator Francisco Tatad proposed earlier in the week that Manila renegotiate the MDT and allow a new American military base on Philippine soil in exchange for clear U.S. commitment "to repel aggression instantly in case the Philippines is attacked in the South China Sea".

The U.S. withdrew from a massive naval base at Subic Bay in the western Philippines -- its last military facility in the Asian nation -- in 1992 after the country's Senate rejected a proposal to extend the basing agreement the year before.

Hubbard made the comments after paying a courtesy call on Philippine President Fidel Ramos along with a delegation of U.S. Congressmen led by Representative Bob Smith of Oregon.

A Philippine government statement said Ramos told the U.S. legislators that, while the economic relationship between the two nations must continue to grow, "the security relationship must be there to keep Asia-Pacific peaceful and stable".

"We're all nervous about Hong Kong (which is to transfer from British to Chinese rule July 1) and how aggressive China is going to be," Smith said. "I guess we'll have to make China so fat with trade they'll stay home."

In recent weeks, defense ties between the Philippines and the U.S. became an issue again because of Chinese intrusions into areas in the South China Sea claimed by both Manila and Beijing, including parts of the Spratly Islands.

Hubbard said the U.S. has made clear to all claimants in disputed areas in the South China Sea, including the Spratlys, that overlapping claims should be settled peacefully.