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FILE PHOTO: Philippines International Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo delivers a message throughout a media occasion in Manila, Philippines, August 16, 2022. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photograph
The highest international and protection officers of america and the Philippines will meet in Washington subsequent week, the US State Division introduced on Wednesday, simply as the 2 international locations have expanded their protection cooperation settlement.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Protection Lloyd Austin will obtain Philippine International Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and protection chief Carlito Galvez on Tuesday.
The announcement of the assembly of the 2 longtime allies got here after the Philippines on Monday recognized 4 extra of its navy bases that america will get entry to beneath an growth of the Enhanced Protection Cooperation Settlement (EDCA).
The close to doubling of EDCA websites was achieved at a time of rising concern over China’s conduct within the South China Sea and rigidity over self-ruled Taiwan.
The EDCA, signed in 2014 beneath US President Barack Obama, permits US entry to Philippine bases for joint coaching, pre-positioning of apparatus and constructing of services equivalent to runways, gas storage and navy housing.
The websites named on Monday are the Camilo Osias navy base in Sta Ana and Lal-lo airport, each in Cagayan province, and Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province and the island of Balabac off Palawan.
The areas are vital, with Isabela and Cagayan going through north in the direction of Taiwan, whereas Palawan is close to the disputed Spratly Islands within the South China Sea, the place China has constructed synthetic islands outfitted with runways and missile methods.
The choice of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to broaden the US entry was made in February however the announcement of the websites was delayed by opposition from some native authorities leaders involved about being caught up in a future battle between america and China.
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