MANILA, Philippines — When he meets with President Barack Obama next week, will President Benigno Aquino III ask the United States' commitment to help the Philippines if and when a war against China breaks out?
"Not necessarily," answered Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, though he said "defense would certainly be discussed, but it would on the point of security alliances with the United States."
Lacierda also refused to speculate if the Philippines will be asking the US for military equipment. He said the public should just wait for Aquino and Obama's joint statement after the bilateral talks on Monday.
The Palace official said the two leaders will be discussing defense, security and trade.
"These are the three things that matter regarding our relations with the United States, so those things will be discussed," Lacierda said in a televised press briefing on Thursday.
The American leader, who arrived in Japan on Wednesday, is on a four-nation Asian tour to reassure allies of US commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.
Obama's visit is also seen by some to counter the growing regional influence of China, which is claiming virtually the entire South China Sea.
He will be in Manila on April 28 and 29. Other stops will be South Korea and Malaysia.
The arrival of Obama in Manila is timely for a new security agreement still being finalized by the United States and the Philippines, which are treaty allies. The deal will allow more American troops, aircraft and ships to be temporarily stationed in selected Philippine military camps.
Earlier this week, another Malacañang official said the country will be seeking a clearer understanding of its alliance with the US during the visit of President Barack Obama.
Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the alliance of the Philippine and the US recognizes "changing and new realities in the region and in the world" that include the tensions in the disputed South China Sea.
He said this "strategic partnership" aims to address the capabilities of both countries to respond adequately to the "evolving challenges" such as the territorial disputes.
"There are evolving and changing realities in global and regional security and it is apparent that the situation in the South China Sea is part of that evolving situation and this has been addressed by the US and the Philippines in the last few months," Coloma said.
Read: Philippines to clarify alliance with US during Obama visit amid China row
Coloma also said that the Philippine government is satisfied with the support of US, especially regarding the territorial dispute with China.
He said the Philippines' wide-ranging security partnership with the US includes joint military exercises, such as Balikatan and humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities, to defense and security assistance "that support Philippine efforts toward achieving enhanced defense capabilities."
"The treaty alliance between the Philippines and the US has been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region. The United States is the only defense treaty ally of the Philippines," Coloma said.