MANILA, 12 February, 2021 (TON): Considering the growing concern at China’s expansive maritime activities in the region, Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Thursday, the Philippines wants to keep its visiting forces deal with the US,

The 1998 deal of Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) grants legal status to US forces temporarily stationed in the Philippines, a former US colony, for exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

“We at the defense department and the armed forces, the general feeling is for the Visiting Forces Agreement to continue,” Lorenzana said.

In February 20202, President Rodrigo Duterte canceled the agreement after a Philippine senator and close ally was denied a US visa. He has since twice suspended the termination of the pact.

“The final decision to push through with the termination or withdraw the notice rests on the president,” Lorenzana said.

In order to discuss the military and security cooperation, Washington and Manila officials are due to meet this month for the first time under the new U.S. administration, the defense chief said.

He said the pact has been vital in allowing US and Philippine forces to “work together,” and enhance the capabilities of Philippine troops.

Moreover, the U.S. administration assured its support for the Philippines eyeing on China’s growing assertiveness after Beijing passed a law allowing its coast guard to open fire on foreign vessels in the South China Sea. However, China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a major trade route. The Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan have overlapping claims.