MANILA, Philippines — Government officials from the Philippines and the United States are set to meet Friday at the US Department of State in Washington, DC for the 2nd Bilateral Strategic Dialogue to discuss the need to beef up Manila's defense capability and increase military presence near the hotly disputed West Philippines Sea (South China Sea).

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio and Defense Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Lorenzo Batino will represent the Philippine side while the US contingent will be led by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Peter Lavoy.

According to Philippine Embassy in Washington spokesperson Emil Fernandez, the representatives of the Philippines and the US will discuss regional and global diplomatic engagement, rule of law and law enforcement, economic and trade, and territorial defense and maritime security during the two-day dialogue.

In addition, sources confirmed that part of discussions will revolve around concerns over China and its activities in the disputed South China Sea that directly affect American policy interests on freedom of navigation in the area.

It has been pointed out that any disruption of sea routes there would impact key US allies like Japan and South Korea.

Media reports suggested that both the Philippines and US are seeking an arrangement that would allow more American troops to be stationed in the country, even if only temporarily, to assuage fears by Southeast Asian nations against growing Chinese aggression in the region.