Philippine president's visit to US highlights new Asia strategy

Philippine President Benigno Aquino arrived in the United States on Wednesday for a visit that will highlight the Southeast Asian archipelago's growing importance in US strategic thinking, as the White House "pivots" to Asia.

Aquino, well regarded by the US government, not least for his battles against corruption, is being accorded a White House meeting on Friday with President Barack Obama.

That meeting comes as Washington has begun helping Manila beef up its modest military capacities.