Philippines: the US will not be able to use military bases for offensive operations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said he will not allow anyone to use its military bases to conduct offensive operations, as the facilities only serve to strengthen the country's defense capabilities." China's reaction is not really surprising, because they are concerned. But the Philippines will not allow the use of its bases for any offensive action. They will only be used to help the Philippines if they need help," Marcos said. Marcos added that the Philippines has granted the United States access extended to bases for relief during natural disasters, as the facilities are located in disaster-prone areas. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed in 2014 between the United States and the Philippines with the aim of strengthening the military cooperation of the two countries. The document provides for joint military exercises and greater interoperability between the armed forces of the United States and the Philippines. Under EDCA, the US is not allowed to have permanent military bases in the Philippines, but the agreement provides for extended stays of US troops at Philippine military bases.