Expect security concerns and military rotations in Southeast Asia to receive heavy attention during President Barack Obama’s three-day stop in the Philippines for a multilateral summit. Although trade issues dominate the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s agenda, China’s island-building and assertive actions in the South China Sea are a major concern for several nations, including the United States, at the annual meeting. Shortly after arriving Tuesday, Obama offered a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter and a research vessel to the Philippines, which analysts say is underequipped to defend its islands against external threats. “We have a treaty obligation, an ironclad...
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