Marcos paves way for greater US presence in Asia-Pacific region

Expansion of defence cooperation pact comes amid persistent tensions with China

MANILA - Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte made a habit of casting doubt on the future of his country's longstanding defence ties with the United States, usually in response to US concerns about his deadly drug war.

Now, with new presidents in both countries, the tide has turned.

The two allies have paved the way for greater American presence in the Asia-Pacific region, spurred by persistent tensions with China over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

An expansion of the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, originally signed in 2014, was announced on Thursday, taking the total number of Philippine military sites the US can access to nine, and allowing it to rotate its troops for prolonged stays.

Three Philippine bases near Taiwan two in the northern province of Cagayan and one in Isabela province - in addition to one in Palawan near the South China Sea, are among the new sites said to be under consideration.

The two sides also decided to substantially complete projects at the five existing military sites, including another base in Palawan province, near the disputed sea.

The US has allocated over US$82 million (S$108 million) towards infrastructure investments in the five sites.

US President Joe Biden has sought to readjust the presence of US forces in the Indo-Pacific region and restore the relationship with the Philippines since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in 2022.