Philippines hits out at criticism of expanded US bases: ‘not any other countries’ business’

Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro says no nation has the right to question EDCA sites, which are US-managed military bases in the Philippines
Beijing previously said Manila was ‘stoking the fire’ of regional tension in the resource-rich South China Sea, by expanding the sites

The Philippines

SCMP’s Asia desk

Published: 5:30pm, 4 Aug 2023

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The Philippines has hit out at criticism of its decision to expand the number of US-managed military bases in the country, saying no party has the right to interfere in Manila’s national interest.

Under the 2014 Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in April gave the United States access to four additional sites near the Taiwan Strait and the disputed South China Sea, bringing the number of military installations Washington can use in the archipelago to nine.

EDCA allows the US to rotate in troops for prolonged stays, as well as build and operate facilities on its bases.

Philippine Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro speaks to US military personnel during a tour at a newly built military base in Lal-lo, Cagayan province, northern Philippines. Photo: EPA-EFE

Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said all countries in the world built bases, and the Philippines “do not question” the bases being constructed by other nations, except when they were being built on contested territory.

“This is Philippine territory, and it is our business what we do here just as long as it is for Philippine interest,” said Teodoro, who was appointed as defence chief in June. “Here, the United States and we converge in our intended use for this, and it is not any other countries’ business to question what we do here.”

China has said the move was “stoking the fire” of regional tension.

‘Sea of war’: Philippines mulls raising defence budget over South China Sea

Beijing’s maritime aggression in the resource-rich waterway has also prompted Manila to deepen ties with the US, its long-time security ally, with both sides conducting joint military drills in recent months.

In a veiled swipe at China, Teodoro said it was a “geographical accident” that some of the chosen bases were located near Taiwan and if other people were “paranoid” about it, it was their problem.

Beijing regards the island as a breakaway province to be brought under mainland control – by force, if necessary. Many countries, including the US, do not officially recognise Taiwan as an independent state but oppose the use of force to change the status quo.

The paranoia of other people may be, rightly so, is taken into consideration, but national security is paramount

Gilbert Teodoro, the Philippines’ defence secretary

Teodoro added national security concerns have prompted him to consider establishing more military bases across the Philippines. “The paranoia of other people may be, rightly so, is taken into consideration, but national security is paramount,” he said.

The defence chief also stressed the need to expedite the development of all bases where Washington has so far invested US$100 million, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Teodoro maintained Manila would not launch any offensive action on other countries as it was against its pacifist constitution.

The EDCA defence pact has long been a major source of friction between the Philippines and China.

Calls grow in Philippines for UN to intervene in South China Sea dispute

In a bid to cool tensions, former leader Rodrigo Duterte, who pulled Manila away from Washington and built closer relations with Beijing during his six years in office, held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month.

President Marcos on Wednesday told senators that on the issue of the South China Sea, Duterte had requested Xi to “look kindly to the Philippines”.

He did not disclose what other topics were discussed during the meeting in Beijing.

China last week offered to hold joint security drills with the Philippines. Military chief Romeo Brawner said he would study the proposal, which was presented to him by Beijing’s ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilian.

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