NUSA DUA, Indonesia (AFP) - US President Barack Obama on Friday told Philippine President Benigno Aquino, who is embroiled in a territorial spat with China, that the US was 'looking out' for his country.
Manila, which has been in a security alliance with the US for 60 years, is caught up in a long-running dispute with Beijing over the strategically vital South China Sea, where the two countries are among six claimants.
Mr Obama, in the Indonesian resort of Bali for the East Asia Summit, said the US-Philippines relationship ensured 'we are looking out for each other when it comes to security'.
'This is an opportunity for us to discuss how we can further deepen that relationship; also, to discuss the topics of the East Asia Summit - issues like maritime security, non-proliferation, disaster and humanitarian relief,' he said.
Manila, which has been in a security alliance with the US for 60 years, is caught up in a long-running dispute with Beijing over the strategically vital South China Sea, where the two countries are among six claimants.
Mr Obama, in the Indonesian resort of Bali for the East Asia Summit, said the US-Philippines relationship ensured 'we are looking out for each other when it comes to security'.
'This is an opportunity for us to discuss how we can further deepen that relationship; also, to discuss the topics of the East Asia Summit - issues like maritime security, non-proliferation, disaster and humanitarian relief,' he said.
