"We will be starting discussion on this," Aquino said at a press conference in Japan's National Press Club on the last day of his state visit.
A Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) would clear the way for the Japanese military to use Philippines' bases on a rotational basis, similar to the way the United States does now. Once enacted, Japan's Self Defense Forces (SDF) will be able to extend their patrol range deep into the South China Sea.
Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have agreed to start talks on defense equipment transfer Thursday during their summit meeting.
But the decision to start talks on a VFA was not included in the joint statement released after the meeting.
Source:Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
5/6/15
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Philippines checking if Chinese boat fired at fishermen...
ReplyDeletePhilippine officials have been verifying reports that Chinese sea patrollers fired warning shots at a Filipino fishing boat in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told GMA News on Friday that the reported shots in the area – which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea -- were "a cause of grave concern."
He said in a text message that although authorities "have not received any report yet," the incident would be concerning “if indeed this happened."
The comments come after a boat operator based in the western island province of Palawan claimed that one of his vessels had been fired at near the Mabini reef, an area being reclaimed by China, last Saturday. The fishermen onboard had reportedly been forced to flee the area.
China claims almost the whole of the resource-rich South China Sea, while several other Asian nations including Vietnam and the Philippines have also laid claim......aa.com.tr
5/6/15