Barack Obama In Philippines For APEC Summit; Donates Two Ships As A Hint To China?
U.S President Barack Obama arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 17 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Air Force One landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport past 11:00 am on Tuesday. Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia Jr welcomed the U.S President upon his arrival.
Obama will stay in the country for three days, which he is expected to hold a meeting with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and other state leaders during his visit in which they might tackle the topic about China's territorial issues. On Nov. 18, he is expected to be the speaker during the 13th session of the APEC CEO Summit, according to CNN.
There are almost two dozen leaders present for the APEC Summit, which many of them are reported to be not in favor to China's territorial claims. However, Obama would still promote the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which hasn't passed the legislatures of the U.S Congress as well with other countries, according to Daily Mail.
"My visit here underscores our shared commitment to the security of the waters of this region and to the freedom of navigation," Pres. Obama said reported by Voice of America.
Obama handed over two ships to the Philippines including a research vessel and Coast Guard Cutter. On Tuesday, Obama toured the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the Philippine naval flagship that patrols along the areas in the South China and was once a property of the U.S Coast Guard.
President Barack Obama said that U.S and Philippines has an "ironclad commitment" as allies in securing a safe and free sea navigation. "More capable navies, in partnership with the United States, are critical to the security of this region," he said according to Yahoo News. Obama never mentioned anything concerning China during his speech but pointed out his message clearly.
The U.S President is also scheduled to have a meeting with the Latin-American trade bloc Pacific Alliance members including, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Mexico. After the three-day stay in Manila, Philippines Obama will fly over to Malaysia to attend the East Asia summits and ASEAN.
