Obama Praises Security Deal With Philippines

President Barack Obama says a 10-year agreement signed today to give the U.S. military greater access to Philippine bases will help promote peace and stability in the region. He also said he hopes China's dominant power will allow its neighbors to prosper on their own terms.

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed as Obama arrived in the Philippines will give American forces temporary access to selected military camps and allow them to preposition fighter jets and ships.

It is being seen as an effort by Washington to counter Chinese aggression in the region, and Obama said his message to China is, "We want to be a partner with you in upholding international law."

Obama's overnight visit to the Philippines is the last stop of a week-long Asia tour that also included Japan, South Korea and Malaysia.

At each stop along his tour, Obama reaffirmed the U.S. treaty commitments to defend its Asian allies, including in their territorial disputes with China.

The BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes joins Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson from Manila with details.

Note: This interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR mobile app.