MANILA: Britain has formally expressed its intention to debate a Visiting Forces Settlement with the Philippines, Manila’s Protection Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr mentioned on Tuesday (Sep 16), as Manila deepens its safety ties with Western allies amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
Teodoro mentioned Britain’s Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker, offered a letter from British Defence Secretary John Healey throughout a gathering in Manila, conveying the nation’s intent to forge an settlement permitting the 2 nations to deploy troops on one another’s soil, making it simpler for his or her militaries to work collectively.
The Division of Nationwide Protection mentioned in a separate assertion that each side additionally exchanged views on the regional safety state of affairs, together with developments within the South China Sea, the place Philippines and China have sparred repeatedly over disputed areas.
The proposed troop settlement would mirror related preparations the Philippines has agreed with the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, reflecting shared safety issues within the Indo-Pacific area and Manila’s shift towards strengthening exterior defence.
Talking at a congressional funds listening to, Teodoro mentioned the Philippine Navy will obtain the most important funds improve among the many navy companies subsequent yr, with proposed funding rising by 8.3 billion pesos (US$140.48 million) or 16.3 per cent. This yr’s navy funds stood at 51 billion Philippine pesos.
The funds enhance will assist put together for the arrival of eight newly ordered frigates and fund the development of latest shipyard and dockyard services, Teodoro mentioned.
