Report: Philippines could ask US to deploy spy planes over South China Sea

Philippines President Benigno Aquino could ask the United States to deploy spy planes to monitor the South China Sea, which could escalate tensions between the United States and China.

Aquino, in an interview with Reuters Monday, said that he might ask for the U.S. spy planes because the Philippines does not have the technological capabilities.

The South China Sea has long been disputed territory and a sore spot in relations with China.

“We might be requesting overflights on that," Aquino told Reuters, referring to U.S. P-3C Orion planes. "We don't have aircraft with those capabilities."

The United States has tried to maintain a neutral position on the South China Sea dispute, and the State Department declined to comment specifically on the report. Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said: “As part of our longstanding military cooperation, the United States supports the Philippines in enhancing its maritime domain awareness," according to Reuters.

But China has also expressed concerns over the new U.S. military strategy, which emphasizes a “pivot” to the Pacific. Beijing has been critical of the move for being directed toward China’s growing military presence.

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