Tag: Visiting Forces Agreement

Philippines delays scrapping of Visiting Forces Agreement with US amid tensions with China; Pentagon welcomes the decision
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Philippines delays scrapping of Visiting Forces Agreement with US amid tensions with China; Pentagon welcomes the decision

Philippines Foreign Minister announced suspending the scrapping of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US for six more months. The announcement was made on June 14th by the government. The scrapping was previously suspended twice after the agreement was due to expire in August 2020. The decision comes amid maritime tensions with China over South China Sea and other maritime issues. The suspension of VFA will contiune till President Rodrigo Duterte "studies, and both sides further address his concerns regarding, particular aspects of the agreement", said the Foreign Minister. The US has welcomed the move with Pentagon reiterating that Philippines was an equal, sovereign partner in the bilateral alliance. A Pentagon spokesperson said: "We value the Philippines as an equal...