US step up military cooperation with Philippines amid confrontation with China in the region
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin paid an official visit to the Philippines. The main purpose of his trip was to strengthen military-political ties with the country, which is one of the oldest US partners in Southeast Asia.
There is no doubt that Washington's desire to increase cooperation with the Philippines is caused by the growing confrontation with China in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States pins great hopes on forging a military-political alliance from a number of states in the region.
The United States and the Philippines have signed an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which provides for the possibility for the US armed forces to use key military bases in the country. The agreement also provides for the joint training of the American and Philippine armed forces, conducting exercises, and cooperation in the field of armaments.
The location of the military bases that will be used by the US military has not been disclosed. But they will probably be located in the northernmost provinces of the Philippines, not far from the coast of Taiwan. If the previous Philippine administration opposed cooperation with the United States, the new authorities of the country decided to return to interaction with a once key ally.
The Philippines' interest in working with the US is understandable. Manila believes that China may threaten the national security of the country, as it activates its presence in the waters adjacent to the Philippine Islands. Most likely, the US military will be provided with bases in provinces located near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The presence of the US military in the region is considered by the Philippine authorities to be an important deterrent to China's geopolitical ambitions.
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