Philippines, US in talks on holding ‘2-plus-2 meeting’ -envoy

MANILA – The Philippines and the US are in talks about holding a “2-plus-2 meeting” of high diplomatic and protection officers as early as March, the Philippine ambassador to Washington stated on Friday.

In a textual content message, Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed a Nikkei report citing sources on the discussions about holding the primary such talks in seven years, and stated the agenda would come with points equivalent to stress over the South China Sea and Taiwan.

The Philippines is a protection ally of the US, however underneath former President Rodrigo Duterte it averted criticizing Beijing, eyeing Chinese language funding.

Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took workplace final 12 months, a number of high U.S. officers, together with Vice President Kamala Harris, have visited the Philippines to shore up ties and discourage aggressive steps by China in the South China Sea and in opposition to self-ruled Taiwan.

The Philippines and the US have a long-standing Mutual Protection Treaty and participate in joint coaching workout routines annually, starting from stay fireplace and amphibious assaults to humanitarian missions and counter-terrorism drills.

Requested a few 2-plus-2 assembly, a U.S. State Division spokesperson stated there was nothing to announce however famous “the long-standing, ironclad alliance between the Philippines and the United States has contributed to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region for more than 75 years.” – Reuters

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