As US aircraft carrier USS Ronald Regan began its journey to Asian waters amid China’s power flexing in the region, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin would try to hear directly from his US counterpart how far America is willing to go to aid its long-time ally against China’s threatening moves in disputed waters. Gazmin flew to Hawaii last Monday to attend ceremonies for the turnover of leadership of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) from Admiral Samuel Locklear to Admiral Harry Harris. Gazmin was expected to meet US defense chief Ashton Carter to discuss the extent of US commitment to help the Philippines in the face of China’s provocations in the West Philippine Sea. He is also expected to discuss the maritime dispute with Japanese defense officials who were also guests in the turnover ceremony.

Laude, J., Romero A., Calica, A., & Lee-Brago, P. (2015, May 27). Phl, US defense chiefs to meet on sea dispute. The Philippine Star, pp. 2, 3.