Envoy: US won't put up bases in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - US Ambassador Harry Thomas on Tuesday said Washington is no longer seeking to establish a new military base in the Philippines.

In an ANC interview, Thomas said the US, as an ally of the Philippines, is ready to help the country in areas of maritime safety as well as maintainin minimum credible defense.

"We are training many countries [on maritime safety] for over a decade now, and we continue to do that. We are sending Filipino officers to US for education and training," Thomas said.

Manila is presently engaged in a territorial row over islands and areas in the West Philippine Sea or South China with Beijing.

Recently, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other top US military officials have visited the Philippines, assuring the country of Washington's aid and support.

Washington, on the other hand, has been placing greater emphasis on its relations with Asian nations. The territorial row has drawn the attention of Washington, straining relations between the US and China.

Meantime, Thomas also said the US is continuing to forge closer ties with the Philippines.