US to get expanded access to 4 Philippines military bases to monitor China’s activities; Details here

Under the new agreement, the United States will get expanded access to the Philippines' military bases, the countries announced on Wednesday. It would provide US forces with an increased strategic presence on the southeastern edge of the South China Sea close to the self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan.

The newly announced deal will provide the US with access to four more locations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) dating to 2014. It would allow the US to rotate troops across of total nine bases throughout the Philippines.





In recent months, the US has ramped up its efforts to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific as the concerns escalate over China’s aggressive territorial expansion throughout the region. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said during the press conference in Manila that the US and the Philippines remained committed to strengthening the capacities of both nations.

He also said that it is a part of their joint efforts to modernise their alliance. US Defence Secretary said that the efforts are “especially important as the People’s Republic of China continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea” while referencing China’s increasing presence in waters close to the Philippines.

However, Austin did not give the exact locations of the bases which the US will gain access. The latest move by the US and the Philippines triggered China's warning of heightened tensions in the region. On Thursday, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Philippines allowing access to four more military bases on its territory has “escalated tension” and “endangers” regional peace and stability.

FAQs:

1. What is EDCA?
   Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
2. How many Philippine military bases the US now has access to?
   9.