Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that his government will not allow the US military further access to Philippine army camps, despite existing tensions in the South China Sea with China. This stance comes after previously allowing American forces access to four additional bases, making a total of nine bases under an agreement from 2014. This decision is viewed as a response to China’s assertive stance in the region.

Marcos made these comments amid heightened efforts by the Biden administration to reinforce security alliances in Asia to counter China’s regional influence. He emphasized the necessity of showcasing China’s aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea to maintain regional stability. The Philippines has been proactive in this regard, even engaging media to document these incidents.

Additionally, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has recently spoken with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, marking the first such discussion since November 2022. This dialogue is part of ongoing U.S efforts to strengthen communication with China following strained relations and aggressive military maneuvers in areas such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. These discussions, including a strategic meeting in Hawaii and an upcoming visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China, are aimed at reducing tensions and fostering peace in the Indo-Pacific region.