US Army to Use Four More Bases in Philippines

The Philippine government had previously announced in February that rotating groups of US forces would be permitted to remain indefinitely at these new camps, in addition to the five local bases designated under the 2014 Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The locations of these new bases were kept confidential until recently as the government consulted with local officials. The Presidential Communications Office has now revealed that the four bases will be situated in Isabela and Cagayan, facing north towards Taiwan on the island of Luzon, and on Palawan near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The Philippine military assessed these sites and determined them to be mutually beneficial and suitable for humanitarian and relief operations during disasters. An unnamed US official cited by AFP news agency confirmed that these are indeed the new EDCA sites.

This expansion comes as China continues to be increasingly assertive in pressing its claim to Taiwan and the South China Sea. While China claims almost the entire waterway under its controversial nine-dash line, the Philippines, other Southeast Asian nations, and Taiwan also have overlapping claims to the sea, which is a crucial global trade route. Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba has publicly opposed having EDCA sites in his province due to concerns that this could jeopardize Chinese investment and make the area a target in a conflict over Taiwan. However, the Philippine acting defense chief Carlito Galvez has stated that the government has already decided on the sites and that Mamba has agreed to abide by the decision. The agreement permits US troops to rotate through these bases and store defense equipment and supplies there.

Under former President Rodrigo Duterte, the EDCA stalled as he favored China and threatened to cut ties with the US and expel its troops. However, the agreement has gained renewed momentum under the current administration of Marcos Jr, who has adopted a more US-friendly foreign policy since taking office in June last year. China has criticized the EDCA, stating that it is part of the US's efforts to encircle and contain China through its military alliance with the Philippines.