The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines released a statement on Tuesday expressing its support for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) between the Philippines and the United States. The DFA believes that the expansion of Edca signifies a “stronger alliance” that will enhance regional stability, address security challenges, and create more socio-economic opportunities for Filipinos.
Despite China’s earlier warning about strengthening the military pact between Washington and Manila, the announcement of four additional Edca sites across the Philippines confirms the “robust commitment” of both nations to a stronger alliance that promotes regional peace and stability, addresses emerging shared security challenges, and provides for greater socio-economic opportunities for many Filipinos.
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The DFA argues that the Edca will improve the interoperability of the armed forces to collectively respond more effectively to threats, including those requiring close cooperation and coordination for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. The new Edca sites will lead to the construction and upgrading of facilities and infrastructure that contribute to enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
According to the DFA, these programs are investments by the Philippines in its own defense and security, benefiting military installations under the full ownership and operational control of the AFP. However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila has cautioned the Philippines against opening up additional Edca sites, stating that this move will “seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability.”
It is noteworthy that the US is the biggest international supporter of Taiwan, which China claims as a Chinese province. Beijing is attempting to reclaim Taiwan, which broke away from the mainland in 1949 following its takeover by Mao Zedong’s communist forces. Beijing believes that Taiwan has no right to form state-to-state ties, but Taiwan disagrees.
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