Philippines to terminate troop agreement with US
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has told his foreign minister to give formal notice to the United States of his termination of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between their militaries, his spokesman said on Tuesday (Feb 11).
| Football tournament in Philippines held to welcome New Year | |
| Philippines: Several dead, 300 treated after drinking coconut wine | |
| Vietnamese doctors help with robotic surgeries in Philippines |
 |
| Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attends a plenary session at a regional summit in Bangkok, Thailand November 2, 2019. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha |
"It's about time we rely on ourselves, we will strengthen our own defences and not rely on any other country," Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo told a regular briefing, quoting the president.
The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), signed in 1998, accorded legal status to thousands of US troops who were rotated in the country for military exercises and humanitarian assistance.
The two countries also have a Mutual defence Treaty and an Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which remain in place./.
Related Stories
World
Easing of US-China Tariffs: Markets React Positively, Experts Remain Cautious
The temporary tariff truce between the US and China has brought positive signals to global markets; however, experts warn that uncertainties and risks remain due to the absence of long-term commitments.
May 14, 2025 | 23:36
World
US, China Conclude Trade Talks with Positive Outcome
On May 11, the US and China concluded an important round of trade negotiations with a positive outcome. According to a joint statement released on May 12, both sides agreed to substantially reduce tariffs on each other’s goods for an initial period of 90 days.
May 15, 2025 | 10:32
World
US Imposes 125% Tariff on China, Pauses Tariffs for 90 Days on Over 75 Countries
On April 10, US President Donald Trump announced an immediate increase in tariffs on China to 125%, while pausing tariff impositions for 90 days on more than 75 other countries and reducing retaliatory tariffs to 10%.
April 11, 2025 | 09:51
National
US President-elect Trump Affirms Importance of Economic Cooperation with Vietnam
General Secretary To Lam and US President-elect Donald Trump exchanged assessments of bilateral relations, as well as directions for strengthening economic and trade relations in a phone call on the evening of November 11.
November 13, 2024 | 11:24
Recommended
World
India-US Ties in Shaping Quad’s Future
The Quad’s momentum currently faces its principal challenge not from India’s or the US’s relations with Australia and Japan, but from a complicated Indo-US relationship.
June 13, 2026 | 19:00
World
Thai Media Highlights Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Visit to Vietnam
In recent days, Thai media outlets have extensively covered Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s official visit to Vietnam and his participation in the third ASEAN Future Forum, held from June 8-9, 2026, emphasizing the significance of the trip for Vietnam-Thailand relations and regional cooperation.
June 13, 2026 | 09:11
World
Vietnam Promotes Human-Centered AI Development
Recently, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam in Geneva, attended and delivered remarks at the plenary session of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC114) organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
June 11, 2026 | 10:11
World
Economic Diplomacy at Core of Thai Prime Minister’s Visit to Vietnam
According to the spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will lead a high-level delegation of government and business representatives to Hanoi on June 8-9.
June 09, 2026 | 10:56
Popular article
World
India-UAE Partnership and the Evolution of Strategic Autonomy
In India’s ‘Greater Indo-Pacific’ vision, the Middle East acts as a geostrategic hub accounting for trade corridors, energy security, and expatriate ties.
June 07, 2026 | 07:00
World
Putin lauds India’s rate of development, announces $100 bn trade goal
India is reliable partner’: Putin lauds India’s rate of development, announces $100 bn trade goal
June 06, 2026 | 08:00
World
Vietnamese Crafts and Cuisine Draw Crowds at UN Bazaar 2026
The 2026 UN International Bazaar was held on June 3 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, with the participation of around 60 booths representing United Nations member states.
June 05, 2026 | 10:52
World
Many in Venezuela Know Vietnam as a Heroic Nation
This was the view shared by student Valentina González from the Faculty of International Relations at Santa María University, Venezuela, during a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My on May 28 at the headquarters of the Embassy.
June 01, 2026 | 10:38