The United States and the Philippines have agreed that the former’s forces can use four more bases in the Southeast Asian country, apparently aimed at enhancing deterrence against China, according to NHK World.
The two sides later announced the agreement to bring the total number of bases the US can use in the Philippines to nine. Details on the additional locations have yet to be announced, as per NHK World.
In the press conference, Austin said that both sides had discussed concrete actions to address destabilizing activities in the waters surrounding the Philippines.
He said the US-Philippine alliance makes both democracies more secure and helps uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific, reported NHK World.
President Marcos welcomed the agreement, saying it seems to him that the future of the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific will always have to involve the United States. He said the partnership can only be an advantage to both countries.
Mao said the United States has continued military buildup in the region for its own benefits, thereby raising regional tensions and harming peace and stability.(MILAP NEWS NETWORK)
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