US Pacific Command chief visits PH amid Asia sea rows

Adm. Samuel Locklear, commander of U.S. Pacific Command speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Wednesday, June 5, 2013. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—While the United States does not take sides in the territorial disputes in the  West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), it says it remains “concerned” about the developments in the area, emphasizing its opposition “to unilateral actions that will change the status quo,” the Department of National Defense said on Friday.

Admiral Samuel Locklear III, Commander of the US Pacific Command, met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Emmanuel Bautista at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday to discuss regional security issues and bilateral defense and military relations.

Locklear’s two-day visit is his third in the Philippines as US PACOM Commander.

His visit came amid a growing dispute between the Philippines and China over rival claims to parts of the West Philippine Sea. Last year, he visited the Philippines twice.

“The Admiral discussed how the US could contribute in enhancing the capability of the AFP in meeting emerging security challenges to include maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” the DND said in a statement.

“Modalities of increased rotational presence of the US in the Asia-Pacific and in the Philippines were also discussed to include high value and high impact exercises,” it said.

Locklear also gave assurance that in spite of the ongoing crisis in Middle East, the US remains committed to its policy of rebalancing to Asia, which includes political, economic and military aspects, the DND added.