JAKARTA - The Philippines on Monday identified four of its military bases that the United States will gain access to, nearly double the number laid out in a defense agreement aimed at enhancing the decades-old alliance between the two.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) expansion underscores the strategic importance of the Philippines to former colonial power the United States, which comes at a time of growing concern over China's behavior in the South China Sea and tensions over self-governing Taiwan.
The EDCA, signed in 2014 under US President Barack Obama, allows US access to Philippine bases for joint training, initial deployment of equipment, to construction of facilities such as runways, fuel storage and military housing, though not a permanent presence. .
The locations mentioned on Monday were Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta Ana and Lal-lo airport, both in Cagayan Province. As well as Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela Province and Balabac Island off the coast of Palawan.
These locations are very strategic. Isabela and Cagayan face north, that is, towards Taiwan. Palawan, meanwhile, is near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, where Beijing has built artificial islands equipped with runways and missile systems.
Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez called the sites "highly strategic" and stressed the Philippines had a responsibility to the international community in the South China Sea.
"It's a trade route... where there's roughly $3 trillion worth of trade (a year)," he said, cited from Reuters, April 4.
"Our responsibility to collectively secure it is enormous," he continued.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to expand US access made in February. However, the announcement of the sites was delayed by opposition from some local government leaders, who fear being drawn into a future conflict between the United States and China.
Separately, the Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday's announcement. China accuses the US of ratcheting up tensions with its military deployment.
Meanwhile, President Marcos' Office said Monday the four locations should "boost disaster response" and assist with humanitarian and relief operations, adding that defending the east was also a consideration.
"Their locations are in areas where they are needed," said Jay Batongbacal, a South China Sea expert at the University of the Philippines.
"This also gives us coverage not only in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) but also on the Pacific side," he added.
The United States has committed to building infrastructure worth more than $80 million at five existing locations, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Mindanao.
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