US Marine Reservists train in the Philippines (Photo : Getty Images)
While the United States welcomed the decision of the Philippine Supreme Court to declare as constitutional the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the ruling angered China.
That's because EDCA would allow the US military, war vessels and jets to camp in military bases in the Philippines with which China is embroiled in a territorial dispute over the Spratly Islands in South China Sea. Beijing accused Manila of "turning to Uncle Sam" which it called a "stupid move."
Besides boosting the presence of American military in the region, EDCA would also assure Washington's help to Manila in backing its claim over the disputed islands. With the agreement, the Philippines is counting on U.S. operations to maintain freedom of navigation and overflight in South China Sea.
China is using flashing lights and flares to dare and scare Philippine military planes that fly over the Spratlys, reports ABC.
In a statement, U.S. State Secretary John Kerry says, "We look forward to implementing this accord, which will increase the interoperability of our armed forces and contribute to modernization and improve our joint capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies," quotes Manilalivewire.
Philippine and U.S. cabinet officials discussed locations where the Southeast Asian nation could provide access to American forces for the mutual benefit of the two allies.
