US OKs transfer of 2nd warship to Philippines

US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro makes his opening statement prior to a roundtable discussion with a select group of journalists Friday in Makati City. AP

MANILA, Philippines—A senior US official said Congress has approved the transfer of a second Coast Guard ship to the Philippines as Washington deepens its military ties with the Southeast Asian nation that has been engaged in a territorial spat with China.

Assistant US Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro also promised to consider a Philippine request to have the warship turned over with as much military equipment as possible.

He told reporters Friday that the ship is just one of many defense needs that the US is extending to the Philippines to help its defense treaty ally build up its navy.

He ruled out any intention to re-establish US bases, a sensitive issue in the former American colony.