WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. military presence in the Philippines may be expanded amid the island nation's concerns about China's rise as a military power, officials said.
Negotiations between the United States and the Philippines are still in the early stages, but both countries appear interested in a deal, The Washington Post reported Thursday.
Philippine officials said they're in favor of allowing the United States to temporarily deploy more troops or ships in the region, particularly near the South China Sea.
Other countries in the Asia-Pacific have also boosted military cooperation with the United States.
"We can point to other countries: Australia, Japan, Singapore," a senior Philippine official involved in the talks told the newspaper. "We're not the only one doing this, and for good reason. We all want to see a peaceful and stable region. Nobody wants to have to face China or confront China."
The United States currently has about 600 troops in the Philippines to advise on the country's battle against rebels with ties to al-Qaida.
President Obama recently announced the United States would station military forces in northern Australia, beginning with about 250 Marines to arrive later this year. That number is expected to rise to 2,500 troops in several years.
Pentagon officials said they have no interest in creating a U.S.-only base in Southeast Asia, preferring to work with friends and allies in the region. Robert Scher, a deputy assistant secretary of defense, said "the key piece of that is working from their locations."
