Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the four new sites accessible to the US under an expanded defense agreement are intended to enhance the country’s capability to defend its territory rather than for offensive purposes. Marcos said that the military bases would not be used for any offensive action and are only meant to help the Philippines when it needs assistance.
The president identified the additional sites last week, including a naval base, airport, military camp near Taiwan, and Balabac Island near the South China Sea. This move has been criticised by China as it would only lead to more tensions and less peace and stability in the region. The Philippines granted US troops access to four more Philippine military camps on top of five existing locations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014.
Marcos clarified that the Philippines is only giving the US the chance to be able to help the country in any way. The Philippine and American troops' largest-ever military exercises are scheduled to run through April 28, with around 12,000 US forces and 5,000 Filipino troops participating.