Philippines to accelerate U.S. defense deal on base access

Manila and Washington eye camps near Taiwan, South China Sea

U.S. Marines prepare the annual joint maritime exercises with the Philippines at Capas, Tarlac province, Philippines, on Oct. 13. © Reuters

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

November 15, 2022 17:54 JST

MANILA -- The Philippines on Tuesday said it will speed up the implementation of a defense agreement that allows U.S. troops to rotate for extended periods and access local military bases.

Manila is also in talks with Washington regarding additional sites to be covered under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, including areas near Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.