U.S. and Philippines eye 2-plus-2 talks in Manila for first time

WASHINGTON/MANILA -- The U.S. and Philippines are in talks to hold a meeting between top diplomatic and defense officials in Manila in the spring, people familiar with the planning said, as the countries align to take a stand against Beijing's aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea.

The so-called two-plus-two meeting would be the first held in the Philippines since the format began in 2012. Washington and Manila resumed the dialogue last year following a seven-year hiatus.