US Secretary of Defense Austin, who is visiting Southeast Asia, and Philippine Defense Minister Lorenzana have revealed that the military agreement between the two countries, which the Philippine side had unilaterally notified of its abolition, will continue to be maintained.
US Secretary of Defense Austin, who is visiting Southeast Asian countries, met with Defense Minister Rodrigo Duterte on the night of the 29th and then with Defense Minister Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines.
After the meeting, they held a joint press conference, revealing that the military agreement between the two countries, which stipulates the legal status of US troops dispatched within the Philippines, will continue to be maintained.
This agreement is indispensable for joint military exercises between the two countries, but President Duterte expressed his intention to abolish it as "we do not need the United States" and told the US government last February. I was unilaterally notified of the destruction.
"I am grateful to President Duterte for his decision to completely revive the agreement, which will allow him to make long-term plans and conduct various exercises," Austin said at a news conference. ..
In the South China Sea, China's activities have become active, with more than 200 Chinese fishing boats being confirmed anchored in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in March, and the Philippine side has canceled the agreement this time. It seems that there were concerns about the movement on the Chinese side in the background of the policy change and review.