The Philippines allows 4 more military bases for U.S. troops

The Philippines allows 4 more military bases for U.S. troops

Context:

The Philippines announced on Monday the location of four additional military bases to be used by U.S. troops, with one site near the South China Sea and another not far from Taiwan.

Points to ponder:

  • The Philippines has been a longtime treaty ally of the United States, and the two countries have a history of military cooperation.
  • China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including waters close to the shores of other countries, and has been building military installations on several disputed islands in the region.
  • The expansion of U.S.-Philippine military cooperation has been criticized by some Filipino groups, who see it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
  • The Philippines has recently sought to balance its relations between the U.S. and China, which are both major economic and military powers in the region.
  • The Philippine government has emphasized that the expanded military cooperation with the U.S. is not aimed at any specific country, but rather at ensuring peace and stability in the region.
  • The announcement of the new EDCA sites comes amid tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing ramping up its military presence around the self-governed island.
  • The U.S. has expressed support for Taiwan and has been increasing its military presence in the region in response to China’s actions.
  • The Philippines has also been involved in territorial disputes with China over areas in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands.
  • The Philippines has announced the location of four additional military bases to be used by U.S. troops.
  • One of the sites is located near the South China Sea and another is not far from Taiwan.
  • The expansion of cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S. in “strategic areas” was agreed upon in February.
  • The cooperation aims to counter China’s growing assertiveness over self-governed Taiwan and the building of Chinese bases in the South China Sea.
  • The 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) gave the U.S. access to five bases, which was later expanded to nine.
  • The Philippine military assessed the four new sites and deemed them “suitable and mutually beneficial”.
  • The bases will also be used for humanitarian and relief operations during disasters.
  • A U.S. official has confirmed that the locations announced by the Philippine government are the new EDCA sites.