US not seeking to re-establish military bases in Philippines
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Manila (dpa) - The United States is not seeking to re-establish permanent military bases in the Philippines even as it works to strengthen its presence in Asia, US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said Friday.
The Philippines used to host the largest American air and naval bases outside of the US mainland, but the facilities were shut down more than two decades ago.
"The US does not seek permanent bases in the Philippines. That would represent a return to an outdated, Cold War mentality," Hagel told reporters in Manila after meeting with President Benigno Aquino.
"Instead we are using a new model of military-to-military cooperation, befitting two great allies and friends," he said.
Hagel said an agreement being negotiated by Washington and Manila on the increased US presence in the Philippines would benefit both armed forces and support Aquino's efforts to build a stronger external defence amid territorial disputes with China.
