US and Philippines to discuss key military pact -- and future of alliance

Visiting Forces Agreement is crucial to power projection in the South China Sea

Philippine and U.S. special forces free-fall jumpers leap from a KC-130J in a live-fire exercise above the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command)

CLIFF VENZON and KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei staff writers

February 9, 2021 02:40 JST

Updated on February 9, 2021 05:59 JST

MANILA/NEW YORK -- Officials from the Philippines and the U.S. are set to meet later this month to discuss the future of their Visiting Forces Agreement, a military pact crucial to their defense alliance, Manila's top diplomat said on Monday.

At stake is one of America's most important alliances in Southeast Asia and whether U.S. troops can continue to operate out of the country on a rotational basis. Access to Philippine military bases will be key to projecting power in the South China Sea and President Joe Biden's ability to push back against Chinese maritime activity.