PH, US to review bilateral cooperation during Austin visit — Teodoro

The bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and the United States will be reviewed during the visit of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in Manila, Philippine Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Friday.

"We will have a review of our bilateral cooperation this time. It is once again an opportunity to also lay down some future plans. Anyway, whatever it is, it's on an institutional basis, our bilateral relations. There are mechanisms," Teodoro said in an ambush interview.

"For example, the security sector assistance roadmap, the bilateral strategic dialogue, and other mechanisms," he added.

For Teodoro, the meeting with Austin is also a chance to thank the official for his effort in maintaining the alliance "against the face of a distorted plan of action by China."

"I once again thank the Filipino people for their support for the President's stand on the West Philippine Sea and we also thank a bigger amount of like-minded nations that are coming to realize that China's propaganda is really nonsensical actually," he added.

Earlier, the Pentagon said Austin is set to visit the Philippines this week to advance security objectives with local officials.

Aside from the Philippines, Austin's trip also covers Australia, Laos, and Fiji.

His visit comes on the heels of Beijing's statements that it opposes the Philippines' plan to acquire the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system. The US military flew the Typhon to the Philippines in April for an exercise.

Teodoro said there was no finality yet if the Philippines would purchase the Typhon, but added that it would make its own decisions despite China's opposition.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), meanwhile, previously expressed optimism that the US will maintain its support in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) under US President-elect Donald Trump.

Tensions continue in the West Philippine Sea as Beijing claims almost all of South China Sea (SCS), a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the SCS.

China, however, does not recognize the decision. — VDV, GMA Integrated News