The United States will have four new military bases in the Philippines where it can build facilities to store and supply equipment after the two countries reached a new security agreement.
In full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippine Defense Chief Andres Centin have agreed on the designation of four new bases and the completion of projects at the five bases already installed in the country.
«The addition of these new EDCA sites will enable more rapid support for humanitarian and weather-related disasters in the Philippines, as well as responding to other shared challenges,» read a statement released by the Department of Defense.
EDCA is, according to Washington, a key pillar of the alliance between the two countries that supports combined training, exercises and interoperability of their forces.
So far, the United States has earmarked more than $82 million (74 million euros) for infrastructure investments at the five existing sites.
«The U.S.-Philippine Alliance has stood the test of time and remains steadfast. We look forward to the opportunities these new sites will create to expand our joint cooperation,» the U.S. executive detailed.
This agreement comes amid rising tensions in the region over pressure from China in the South China Sea.
In particular, the Philippines and China are embroiled in a territorial dispute over over overlapping claims in the South China Sea, where Beijing has seized areas and built artificial islands with military-capable facilities.
In addition to the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim the area, which is considered rich in natural resources.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
