Philippines to accelerate U.S. defense deal on base access

 

 Philippines to accelerate U.S. defense deal on base access

US, Philippines to start building military facilities in 2023

THE US and the Philippines will start building training facilities and warehouses on the South-east Asian nation’s military bases next year, as the long-time defence allies seek to boost ties.

The work will begin on two bases north of Manila, and an airport base station on the southern island, the Philippine Defense Department said on Tuesday (Nov 15). Some US$66.5 million has been earmarked to implement these projects under the two nations’ Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.

The Philippines will explore new locations for other projects with the US to “build a more credible mutual defence posture”. It reiterated its commitment to accelerate projects under its defence pact with the US.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has sought to further strengthen ties with the US and modernise the military, as the Philippines contends with a territorial dispute with China over the South China Sea.