epa03004927 Philippine President Benigno Aquino III (R) looks on as United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario (C) hold signed documents for the Partnership for Growth, at the presidential palace in Manila, Philippines 16 November 2011. The US and the Philippines also signed a declaration confirming their defense cooperation, amid growing territorial tensions between Manila and China. Clinton's visit comes at a time when the Philippines is calling for a united front in the region against China's alleged aggression in disputed territories in the South China Sea, a key shipping lane. EPA/ROLEX DELA PENA