US President: 'We saved a lot of money' when Philippines canceled military treaty
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr. Trump stated: “If they want to do that, fine, we will save a lot of money.”
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| US President Donald Trump. Photo: AFP |
According to AFP, US President Donald Trump on February 12 dismissed concerns surrounding the Philippines' cancellation of the important bilateral Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), asserting that such a decision would save costs for Washington.
The VFA created the legal framework for the presence of US troops in the Philippines and served to organize joint US-Philippine military exercises.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr. Trump stated: “If they want to do that, fine, we will save a lot of money.”
He also stressed his “very good relationship” with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Observers say the decision to end the treaty will reduce the Southeast Asian nation's ability to defend itself and undermine the US goal of containing China's ambitions in the East Sea.
