Philippines Rules Out Us Using Its Military Bases To Stockpile Weapons

In the midst of rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the Philippines has addressed concerns raised by China over the United States' use of its military bases. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has made it clear that the expansion of U.S. access to Philippine military sites does not involve stockpiling weapons or interfering in the situation across the Taiwan Strait. Manalo emphasized that the Philippines fully adheres to the one China policy and that the U.S. military presence is solely for the benefit of the Philippines.

The 2014 U.S.-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)

Under the 2014 U.S.-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the U.S. has been granted access to Philippine military facilities. However, it has now been clarified that these facilities will not be used to stockpile U.S. weapons in the event of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Mr. Manalo stated this during an inquiry conducted by the Philippine Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

EDCA's Focus on the Philippines' National Interests

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasized that the implementation of EDCA is solely in line with the national interests of the Philippines. He further clarified that the U.S. military presence in the expanded sites is not aimed at any other country but is meant for the use of the Philippines itself.

Addressing Claims of Countering China

The recent expansion of the number of EDCA sites, from 5 to 9, including 2 in close proximity to Taiwan, has prompted speculation about potential motives, particularly in countering China. However, Defense Department OIC Carlito Galvez Jr. has dismissed these claims, stating that the sites are intended for humanitarian and disaster response operations in the Philippines' northern islands of Batanes.

It is important to note that the U.S. has invested over $100 million in EDCA projects in the Philippines to date. This further emphasizes the focus on cooperation between the two countries and the mutual benefits they reap from this agreement.

Finalizing Annex Listing of Additional EDCA Sites

Although four new EDCA sites were announced during U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III's visit to the Philippines in February, the annex listing these sites in the actual text of the agreement has yet to be finalized. This process is still pending an exchange of notes between the Philippines and the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Philippines has clarified its stance on the use of its military bases by the United States. The expansion of U.S. access to Philippine military sites under the EDCA does not involve the stockpiling of weapons or interference in the situation across the Taiwan Strait. The focus of this agreement remains on serving the national interests of the Philippines, particularly in terms of humanitarian and disaster response operations. With ongoing discussions and the exchange of notes between the two countries, the future of EDCA and its continued benefits for both the Philippines and the United States will be further solidified.