Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 15) — Senior Philippine and US officials will discuss key issues on defense cooperation and economic involving the alliance between the two countries on Monday.
The Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, done annually, covers discussions on political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. On its eighth year, the talks will focus on strengthening cooperation on counter-terrorism, defense and security, economics, law enforcement and criminal justice.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo and Defense Undersecretary for Operations Cesar B. Yano will represent the Philippines. Newly-confirmed Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver will represent the United States.
The talk comes amid calls to enforce the Mutual Defense Treaty in light of June’s incident in the Recto Bank where a Chinese vessel in Philippine waters rammed a Filipino fishing boat and left the fisherfolk adrift at sea.
De La Salle University International Studies professor Renato de Castro believes this will be discussed during the meeting.
“We have to admit, we have to accept the fact that despite the friendship we have with China, China is still applying gray zone operations. How do we address this? This will probably involve training the coast guard, this will involve the application of certain technologies in terms of identifying fishing vessels…” he told CNN Philippines.
The treaty states an armed attack in the Pacific areas of both countries would enable military assistance between the two countries.
For defense analyst and military historian Jose Antonio Custodio, reviewing or invoking the long-standing treaty between Manila and Washington does not apply in the aftermath of the Recto Bank incident.
He added key government leaders should focus on strengthening the country’s defense capabilities instead of demanding America’s presence to defend the country from external threats.
“The problem however is the Philippines is like a spoiled brat. Tampo eh, you know. It wants things clearer but at the same time it is not willing to step up its defense,” he said.
Both experts also believe the change of heart of Duterte to reconsider purchasing US weapons will be discussed in the dialogue.
