Biden Gets Key Break as Southeast Asia Bolsters Militaries
- US, Philippines talk defense cooperation amid Taiwan fears
- Indonesia ramping up arms procurement after pandemic lull
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US-China tensions have America’s closest allies in Asia strengthening their militaries. But in a boost to President Joe Biden’s diplomatic efforts, that trend is extending to some Southeast Asian nations which have recently kept the US at arm’s length.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is looking to buy Chinook helicopters and accelerate talks to implement a defense cooperation pact that would give the US military greater access in the country. The moves come six years after then-President Rodrigo Duterte ended joint patrols with American forces and sought more weapons from China.