Going back to the Philippines

The United States Navy and the Philippines have conduced large land and naval exercises. These large war games being conducted in the South China Sea is result to tensions between China and the Philippines over territory disputes. The Philippines has already filed case to the United Nations against China's attempt to claim territory in the South China Sea. There is photographic evidence showing China building man made islands and runways in the disputed area. This has greatly alarmed the Philippines government. This Chinese aggression has made the Philippines to sign a treaty with the United States where there would be increased military cooperation among the states. The U.S.  will be allowed to station troops, ships and aircraft in the country but on a rotating basis. This treaty might discourage Chinese over reach , but it has angered many in the Philippines. They say the the constitution prohibits the establishment of foreign military bases without the approval of a Senate treaty. The government has responded by claiming that the U.S. bases are not on a fixed basis which is not specifically covered in the constitution. The real question is if these war games will truly deter Chinese expansion or add more fuel into the current conflict.


http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/30/world/asia/us-and-philippines-hold-joint-military-exercises.html