Americans have access to four additional military bases in the Philippines

US troops have access to four more military bases in the Philippines. reports US Department of Defense.

This is an extension of the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) between the two countries. The expansion was announced during a visit to Manila by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

This strengthens the ties between the two countries. The band deteriorated Substantial Rodrigo Duterte, the previous Philippine president, focused more on China. A new president, Ferdinand Marcos, took office last year establishedThis is now reversed.

The expansion of the agreement gives the United States nine military bases. The US is investing more than $82 million in five existing locations. These should support economic development in local Filipino communities, a report said.

The location of the new locations has not been disclosed. The US has reportedly requested access to the island of Luzon, closest to Taiwan, and to the island of Palawan, opposite the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The US and China are engaged in a geopolitical war over the South China Sea. Beijing believes that almost the entire sea should be under direct Chinese influence, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim part of it.

There is great tension in the region, especially between China and Taiwan. The Chinese military has been conducting regular exercises near the island state. The Chinese government views Taiwan as a renegade province. The Taiwanese are a strong ally in the United States.

Last year, top US politician Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, which was seen as a provocation by China. From Beijing’s point of view, the visit of a foreign executive or politician to Taiwan is a provocation.

In a potential conflict with China, closer cooperation with the Philippines could be strategically important because of the archipelago’s proximity to Taiwan. This is the second time in a short period of time that the US has strengthened military ties in Asia.

This happened in Japan last month. Among others, there will be one New Naval Division On the Japanese island of Okinawa, not far from Taiwan. The Americans already have a large base there and will expand the existing military.