Philippines Says US Base Deal Meant for Defense, Not Preparation for War

A U.S. Navy hover craft prepares to hit the beach during the amphibious landing exercises as part of the annual joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise on the shores of San Antonio town, facing the South China Sea, Zambales Province, on April 11, 2019. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images

The Philippines’ decision to grant the United States more access to its military bases is meant to boost defense capabilities, not to engage in war preparations, a top Philippine defense official said on Thursday.

Department of National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez said the purpose of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) projects is to bolster Philippine military readiness against external threats.