AlHijjah 21, 1432, Nov 17, 2011, SPA -- The Philippines said Thursday that a proposed US military presence in Australia would serve as a stabilizing force, and help Manila to assert its sovereignty in disputed parts of the South China Sea, dpa reported. The United States, which has a mutual defence alliance with the Philippines, said Wednesday it would station 250 marines in Australia's northern city of Darwin in 2012, with numbers rising to 2,500 within five years. The move was seen by analysts as a response to China's growing assertiveness in the region. As part of an upgrade in the two countries' 60-year-old alliance, Australia will also provide greater access for US military aircraft. "We feel the presence of the Americans, the engagement of the United States in the region, that's ultimately a stabilizing force," Philippine Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said on the sidelines of the South-East Asian summit in Bali. "Given the defence relationship we have (with the US), I think it bolsters our ability to assert our sovereignty over certain areas," he said.
