The Philippines says increased American military patrols in SE Asia "will deter uncalled-for actions by the Chinese".
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US Marines take part in US-Philippine wargames on Thursday |
He said the deployments in the contested waters are not meant to provoke other Asian countries, but instead said "we're trying to tamp down tensions here".
However, Mr Gazmin said he expects the American forces "with their presence here, will deter uncalled-for actions by the Chinese".
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| US helicopter prepares to land during exercise with Philippine troops |
The US will begin sending forces on increased rotations to five bases in the Philippines to beef up training and support "increased operations in the region", the Pentagon said.
It did not say where in the South China Sea the joint patrols would took place, only that they would happen "regularly".
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The military boost comes days after a Philippine diplomat asked US authorities to help convince China not to build in the Scarborough Shoal.
The shoal, viewed as important to Filipino fishermen, is 145 miles west of the Philippines, and 620 miles from the Chinese coast.
China has built man-made islands in other contested spots in the waters.
The first US-Philippines patrol took place in March, and a second happened earlier this month.
The US has also recently conducted joint patrols in the sea with Japan.
Countries across the region have expressed concern over China's increased activities in the sea, which are believed to have massive deposits of oil and gas.
Beijing claims almost the entire waters, while Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam say they also own parts.
The Philippines is one of America's oldest allies in Asia, and hosted permanent US military bases until 1992.
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