Manila looks to US military 'assets' to help defend sea claims

The Philippines said it would insist on being allowed to use more US military assets to protect its sea territories, when talks on expanding a defence pact start tomorrow.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the longtime allies had already agreed in principle to allow a bigger US military presence in the Philippines.

He said the talks would focus on the rules for the greater presence, and the Philippines wanted to ensure the deal helped build its defence capabilities.

"We stand ready to tap every resource, to call on every alliance, to do what is necessary, to defend what is ours, to secure the nation … keep our people safe," he said.

The Philippines has been seeking greater military help from its longtime ally and former colonial ruler, amid a deepening rift with China over rival claims to parts of the South China Sea.

While the US has insisted it does not take sides in the dispute, it has been seeking to rebuild its military footprint in the Philippines as part of President Barack Obama's strategic "pivot" to Asia.