China warns of ‘more tensions’ in region as Philippines reveals 4 new joint military bases with US

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Tuesday warned of "more tensions" in the region, urging neighboring countries to "make choices" favorable to "their own interests and regional stability" after the Philippines revealed four new locations for joint military bases with the US, including one facing the disputed South China Sea.

"Facts are very clear that the US has been increasing its military deployment in the region driven by a zero-sum mentality in pursuit of selfish interests. This would only lead to more tensions and less peace and stability in the region," China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters about Manila’s announcement.

Mao urged regional countries "to think about what is right for the region and mutually beneficial so as to make a choice that serves regional peace and stability as well as their own interests," according to a transcript of a briefing released by the Foreign Ministry.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration on Monday identified Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and Balabac Island in Palawan as new four locations considered “suitable and mutually beneficial” under Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with Washington.

One of the new locations identified faces the disputed South China Sea.

Manila said the new arrangement between the Philippines and the US “are seen to boost the disaster response of the country as the locations will also be used for humanitarian and relief operations during emergencies and natural disasters.”

Marcos revealed last month that Manila had identified the bases, but his administration did not reveal names until Monday.

Manila and Washington run jointly five bases under the EDCA, signed in 2014, which allows deployment of the American soldiers in various parts of the Philippines.

The Philippines had agreed in January to allow the US military access to four more military bases in the country.

On the occasion, the US Defense Department had said the access to new locations “will allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Philippines, and respond to other shared challenges.”

The announcement had come during the visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to the archipelago nation, Washington's oldest military ally in Asia.

The EDCA, a military deal signed between Manila and Washington during former Filipino President Corazon Aquino’s government, allows for the increased rotational presence of US troops, planes, and ships in Philippine military bases, as well as the construction of facilities to store fuel and equipment. However, it is not a permanent presence.