Philippines: Manila Considering U.S. Surveillance Aircraft Offer

The Philippines will consider a U.S. offer to temporarily deploy surveillance aircraft over disputed areas in the South China Sea, Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said at a Jan. 27 news conference, Reuters reported. A heavier U.S. military presence in the region should deter border intrusions and stabilize the region, Gazmin said. While the proposal includes additional exercises with U.S. forces and rotating U.S. port visits for repairs and resupply, he said no plans for new U.S. bases exist.