MANILA - The Philippines has granted the United States expanded access to its military bases, the countries said on Thursday (Feb 2), amid mounting concern over China's increasing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea and tensions over self-ruled Taiwan. Washington would be given access to four more locations under an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) dating to 2014, statements...
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III shakes hands with Philippines President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines, on Feb 2, 2023.MANILA - The Philippines has granted the United States expanded access to its military bases, the countries said on Thursday , amid mounting concern over China's increasing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea and tensions over self-ruled Taiwan.
The United States had announced it was allocating more than $82 million toward infrastructure investments at the existing five sites under the EDCA. The statements did not specify where the new locations would be. The former Philippine military chief had said the United States had requested access to bases on the northern land mass of Luzon, the closest part of the Philippines to Taiwan, and on the island of Palawan, facing the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippines expands US access to military basesThe two countries are seeking to repair ties that were fractured in recent years. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Philippines, Japan to boost defence, infrastructure cooperation during Marcos visitThe trip would seek to maximise the full potential of strategic partnership in all its aspects. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
US defence chief Austin visits Manila with deal on expanded military base access expectedUS access to Philippine bases for joint training, fuel storage but not a permanent presence. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Magnitude 6 earthquake hits Mindanao, PhilippinesThe quake struck at a depth of 2 km (1.24 miles). Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
South Korea considers early easing of Covid-19 visa curbs on travellers from ChinaSouth Korea has suspended issuing short-term visas to Chinese visitors since early January, after China abruptly ended its stringent “zero-Covid” policy. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
South Korea may lift visa curbs on travellers from China earlierSEOUL – South Korea’s prime minister suggested on Tuesday that Covid-19 visa restrictions on travellers from China could be lifted earlier than scheduled if infections ease, as the travel and tourism sectors hope for a rebound in visitors. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo...
Read more »