Philippines want the United States to expand the presence of troops in the country amid growing border dispute. Philippine Defense Minister, Albert Del Rosario, said officials of both countries are discussing joint exercises and the addition of more U.S. soldiers assigned to the Philippines. “It is clear advantages for us to explore how to maximize the alliance treaty with the United States through an acceptable way with and for mutual benefits,” such as Albert Del Rosario explained in a statement. He added that the country needed the strength of defense in dealing with border disputes in the region.However Del Rosario is not explicitly mention China as a reason to increase the presence of U.S. troops. Last year the Philippines accused China of intimidation in connection with a dispute over ownership of some islands in the South China Sea. Sources in the Philippines said further negotiations would be held in March this year also to work out the details of the plan. In addition to conducting joint military exercises are held regularly, about 600 U.S. soldiers are alternately placed in the southern Philippines. They are in charge of training troops in the region to face the militant Islamic resistance group but does not have a combat role. While the military exercises are based upon the agreement of visits troops in 1999 which allows ships and troops entered the United States to the Philippines.

Previously the United States has bases in the Philippines but was closed in 1991. An official of the United States has denied speculation that the military bases will be revived. United States had agreed to increase the presence of troops in their bases in Australia and promised to put East Asia despite facing budget cuts. This was confirmed by President Barrack Obama during a visit to Australia and some Asian countries, including Indonesia to attend the East Asia Summit, November 2011.

In another development, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has announced a reduction of nearly 100,000 soldiers as part of the downsizing of the armed forces. The Pentagon’s defense will face budget cuts of up to U.S. $ 487 billion over the next 10 years. In the next five years the number of Army troops will be less than 570,000 people to 490,000 people while the marines cut 20,000 to 182,000 people. With the reduced number of military personnel, the United States said it would improve the quality of the troops in particular and retain their ability to defeat the enemy on land. When announcing the reduction of the army, Panetta reiterated the U.S. commitment in Asia.