Philippine-U.S. Security Relations (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Oct. 10, 2000 |
| Report Number |
RS20697 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Larry Niksch, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In 1999, the Philippines and the United States reached agreements to revive the security
relationship,
which had declined following the U.S. withdrawal from military bases in 1992. The two
governments concluded a Visiting Forces Agreement that will allow U.S. military personnel to enter
the Philippines for joint training and other cooperative activities. The two governments also agreed
to formulate a new U.S. military support program for the Philippines. The future of the security
relationship will be affected by several issues such as the Philippine-China dispute in the South
China Sea, the Muslim insurgency in the southern Philippines, and by the degree of effectiveness
of the Philippine's own defense buildup program. U.S. policy decisions related to these issues will
include the size and scope of a military support program, the role of the South China Sea in the U.S.
Defense commitment to the Philippines, and the scope of U.S. diplomacy concerning the
Philippines'
security problems. This report will be updated periodically.
