The United States and the Philippines agreed to hold the first foreign and defense ministerial talks in seven years, the so-called "two plus two," within the year, improving relations between the two countries as China stepped up its activities in the South China Sea. appealed.
In Manila, the capital of the Philippines, discussions were held between US and Philippine government officials for two days until the 20th.
According to a joint statement released after the talks, the two governments agreed to hold foreign and defense ministerial talks, the so-called "two plus two," by the end of the year.
It was last held seven years ago in 2016, and had never been held under the former Duterte administration in the Philippines, where relations between the two countries were strained.
It was also confirmed that, based on the bilateral agreement, the procedures to increase the number of bases that the US military can use in the Philippines from the current five will be completed early.
The United States seems to be aiming to increase its military bases in the Philippines as China intensifies its activities in the South China Sea and increases military pressure on Taiwan.
At a press conference after the talks, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Krittenbrink said, ``Our unwavering alliance has contributed to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region for more than 75 years. I appealed for improvement.