The United States and Philippine have reached an agreement that allows for rotational deployment of US military forces at five bases, amid an ongoing standoff with China over the South China Sea.
The deal was announced on Friday, when the two countries issued a joint statement listing the bases as Antonio Bautista Air Base, close to the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, Basa Air Base north of Manila, Fort Magsaysay in Palayan, Lumbia Air Base in Mindanao and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.
According to US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Amy Searight, the deal was inked under a 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that allows the US to expand its military presence in its former colony through rotation of ships and aircraft.
Searight described the Manilla government as a “critical US ally,” announcing US Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s visit to the East Asian country.
The agreement, in place for at least 10…