UK-Philippines troop deal to boost Nato’s South China Sea reach

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

A proposed troop access pact between the Philippines and Britain is the latest sign of Manila’s aim to draw in more European and other powers sharing similar concerns about security in the South China Sea and the continuous flow of goods along the vital waterways. The visiting forces agreement would allow troops from both countries to train and operate temporarily on each other’s soil, a move analysts say could lead to closer ties between the Philippines and Nato members and reduce its reliance.