'No return of US military bases in Phl'

MANILA, Philippines - A redeployment of US forces to the Philippines after the pullout of US troops and military facilities in Okinawa may be considered at the invitation of the Philippine government.

But US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro said during a roundtable discussion over the weekend that there would be no return of US military bases in the country.

We don’t have a base here, and let me be clear that we have no plans for bases here. But we are talking about ways in which we can work together at the invitation of the Philippine government, Shapiro said.

Part of discussions that we’re having now is one of the ways which we can work together going forward that will help support their (Philippines) security needs, he added.

The US is ready to move 4,700 Marines from Okinawa, Japan to Guam while awaiting progress on the base relocation.

Reports said the remaining 3,300 Marines in Japan would be redeployed to other countries in Asia, including Australia and the Philippines.

American senators, led by Arizona Senator John McCain, during their visit to Manila last month, underscored the need to strengthen the Philippine military and expand US military presence in the Asia Pacific and its waters to promote peace in the region.

McCain said the attention of the world economy is shifting to Asia, with the Philippines as one of the major leaders in the region.

The lawmakers stressed US commitment to work cooperatively to build up the militaries of its allies in the Asia Pacific and carry out joint exercises.