US military got consent for access to Philippines outposts

The United States and the Philippines have agreed to expand their defence agreement, providing US troops access to four more military bases in the Southeast Asian nation. According to a joint statement from the defence departments of the two countries
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in Manila talks with newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. However, Philippines and the United States are proud to announce their plans to accelerate the full implementation of the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), according to a joint statement. This is due to the agreement to derive four new Agreed Locations in strategic areas of the country and the substantial completion of the projects in the existing five Agreed Locations. National Defence departments of the US and the Philippines published this online.
The EDCA is a part of the long-standing security cooperation between the US and the Philippines which allows US troops to cycle through five Philippine sites, including some that are near disputed waters. It also enables the US military to store defence equipment and supplies in specific locations.
According to the statement, the extension will “accelerate the upgrading of our joint military capabilities” and ally with the two countries “stronger and more resilient.” The change occurs as China presses its controversial nine-dash line claims to Taiwan, a self-governing island, and the South China Sea, where Beijing asserts its claims to nearly the whole waterway. Conflicting claims are made to the sea, which is an important route for international trade, by Taiwan, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations.
Long-time allies, the US and the Philippines endured conflict under Marcos Jr.’s predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who favoured China and threatened to sever diplomatic ties with Washington and withdraw US troops.