Philippines Says US Base Deal Meant for Defense, Not Preparation for War

A top Philippine defense official stated that the Philippines’ decision to allow more access to its military bases to the United States is intended to increase defense capabilities and not engage in war preparations.

Carlito Galvez, Department of National Defense Secretary said that the purpose of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreements (EDCA) projects was to increase Philippine military readiness for external threats.

“The geopolitical situation is becoming more precarious by the day. Our projects under EDCA and our other defense partnerships are not intended for aggression,” Galvez claimed that, according to state-run media.

“We are not preparing for war; rather, we are aiming to develop our defense capabilities against eventualities and threats to our security,” He concluded.

Last month, the Philippines & the United States struck a deal To allow American forces access in the Philippines to four additional military bases, in addition to five that were already granted under EDCA.

Cagayan Gov. has yet to make public the new locations. Manuel Mamba believes his province is one the chosen locations because of its proximity to Taiwan.

Cagayan Province lies on the northernmost tip of Luzon Island, which borders Taiwan. Mamba indicated that U.S. troops could be stationed in Cagayan if a Chinese attack on Taiwan occurs, Benar News reported.

“We do not want to be an enemy to any country, nor do we want to be used to threaten any country. We will defend the Philippines from any enemy, even with sticks and stones, but we will not be fodder to a fight that is not our own,” He told the Senate.

“Solutions to regional tensions will only end badly for us not involved in this show of might between two superpowers. The only military forces we want in Cagayan are members of the armed forces of the Philippines,” Mamba said.

Galvez claimed that the government understood the concerns of some officials, but the decision was taken because of the “volatile” environment which highlighted the necessity for the country’s defense to be bolstered.

“We must consider the volatile situation in which we operate and not view our country in isolation,” He said. “The Philippines straddles a crucial location in the Pacific, and we have seaboards to the north, south, east, and west. All of these must be monitored and protected.”

Galvez stated that the United States has allocated approximately $82.68 million to EDCA projects so far.

China Threatens

China claims Taiwan as part its territory. China has pledged to conquer Taiwan with force if necessary. Because of Taiwan’s proximity, any attack on Taiwan could pose a threat to Philippine security. It shares a maritime border with Taiwan off the Luzon Strait.

Under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Philippines and the United States have been declared allies. This means that they will each defend the other in case of attack.

Philippine envoy Jose Manuel Romualdez said last year that U.S. forces will be allowed access to Philippine military bases during a Taiwan conflict if it is deemed “important” To national security

Romualdez stated they want to secure additional military bases that have been earmarked for U.S. forces over the next three year, but he did not provide details. He stated that the Philippines rejects this. “any kind of war or confrontation.”

“We want to ask both countries to lessen the tension by having more dialogue and then trying to resolve all of these issues because it’s in our part of the world,” he told Nikkei Asia.

The Philippines is also determined to combat Beijing’s military assertiveness on the South China Sea. begun talks Australia and the United States have reached an agreement to coordinate maritime patrols in the disputed waters.

Beijing claims much of the South China Sea as its own territory under its so-called “nine-dash line.” The Hague Tribunal ruled for the Philippines in 2016 but the Chinese regime continues to behave inexorably, with Chinese ships repeatedly entering the maritime zones of the Philippines.