US-Philippines Defence Pact: A New Era in International Cooperation

US-Philippines Defence Pact: A New Era in International Cooperation

The Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement is now providing American forces with the capacity to access selected military camps across the Philippines on a temporary basis. This defence agreement between Philippines and the US is leading the way for cooperation between Eastern and Western nations to enhance global security. US forces will now be able to preposition ships and fighter jets in Philippines following this agreement.

The agreement will last for 10 years. The US military will have access to bases across the Philippines which will counter any threats to national security in the area. But this does not seem to be a step towards countering aggression as much as it seems to be an exercise in gathering crucial defence information and strengthening capabilities across base stations in the Asian region. The agreement was signed between the main military camp at Manila and it is one of the highlights of the weeklong Asia visit of US President Obama.

President Obama is also touring Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. Peace and security in this Asian region is imperative. With tensions between North and South Korea escalating to a point where there may be further action soon, visits such as these could be in preparation of the security threat therein.

Disasters and accidents in this region can also be responded to faster if US troops are present in the region. The US troops will be deployed on a temporary and rotational basis. The size and magnitude as well as the duration of this presence will be worked at in cooperation between the two governments. Many facilities are under consideration as the bases for cooperation and joint military exercises.

There are many disputes centring on the South China Sea and Asian nations such as Philippines are looking to boost their territorial defence capabilities. Both the allies have different goals to achieve from this accord. Philippines is cooperating for enhancing its defence. US looks to move away from heavy military engagement in the Middle East to Asia now.

The US is also pondering the shift in alliances that have been making the situation in Asia a dynamic one. With countries hovering between alliances and economic accords, the potential benefits of linking up with Asian nations such as Philippines far outweigh the risks. Tactical alliances are the order of the day. But the US is also exercising the caution of specifying that it is not seeking to contain China.

While the situation in most regions of the world is shaped by social and political forces, money remains the crucial goal. Economic development can bolster the fortunes of any nation. Attaining tactical defence ties is but a step to bolstering superpower status. The key to economic success is to have the superpower clout. The massive military build-up in this region makes for ever-changing dynamics. Perhaps the US is seeking to take charge of the situation.

However, the US will not establish a permanent military base or presence in Philippines as part of the agreement. According to the agreement, a Filipino base commander will access areas shared with American forces. Manila’s constitution forbids any nation from establishing a permanent foreign military base here. The agreement will also ensure that there will be coordination between the US forces and Filipino troops.

Philippines will also get economic benefits from the agreement. The US will improve upon the buildings and infrastructure on Philippines base camps. Philippines is a former American colony and the presence of international troops here is quite a issue. But the situation changed during the end of the 1990s after China seized a reef from the Philippines.

The South China Sea has always been a bone of contention because it is rich in gas and oil. The fight for resources could very well take an ugly turn here if the situation is not contained. But pacts and agreements should also be kept against the ever-changing regional dynamics. The accord between the US and Philippines is a step in the right direction, considering the circumstances.