The Philippines-US stories are mine, lol

At approximately 3 AM central time on April 27, 2014, a breaking news alert spread across the world.  The United States and the Philippines reached a deal on allowing a 10-year US military presence in Southeast Asia.  In an APNews.com article by Jim Gomez, titled "APNewsBreak: US, Philippines reach deal on troops," the author describes the details of the latest treaty between the Philippines and the United States.

Although the United States has had a very strong and symbiotic relationship with Manila for many decades, the US has not "officially" been allowed a significant military presence in the Philippines since 1991.  The treaty between the two nations is extremely significant in the realm of International Relations because an increased (and more permanent - not to mention substantial) military presence will deter an antagonistic Chinese military in the disputed Spratly Island chain.  

If US troops are stationed in the Philippines, it's doubtful that China will attempt any more of its bullish tactics against a smaller and weaker Philippine army and navy. This move by the US will also cause China to step up its military strength and could lead to an arms race.  This may take some time for China to accomplish, however, since their economy, army, technology, airforce and navy are all far inferior to that of the United States.

By Christopher M. Vacek

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_289563/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=0Y0GKKp0