 |
| Image: Flickr User - U.S. Pacific Fleet |
By: Andrew Tilghman
SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 28, 2014) (from the top) The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), the Philippine navy frigate BRP Gregaorio del Pilar (PF-15) and the Philippine navy frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) steam in formation during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014.(U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh. RELEASED) >>
The Pentagon is optimistic that the U.S. alliance with the Philippines remains intact despite the new president’s abrupt call for ending major American military operations there.
Defense Secretary Ash Carter is unconcerned about the comments this week from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that appear to signal a major shift away from the U.S..
Duterte said he wants U.S. special operations troops to leave the southern Philippines. The Philippine navy will end joint patrols with U.S. Navy vessels and its military may begin buying weapons from Russia or China rather than the United States, Duterte said.
"This is a longtime ally," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Thursday.
"The secretary believes that this is one of the most enduring relationships in the Asia-Pacific region and will be for some time to come.
And he's confident, given our mutual security interests in the region, that any concerns that the Filipinos might have — that these are issues that can be resolved and worked out," Cook said.
Read the full story at DefenceNews