Publication

This bulletin 1) argues that the above agreement benefits both countries’ militaries, and 2) outlines its potential strategic and diplomatic implications. In the latter case, the rotating US military forces in and out of the Philippines will not only strengthen Manila’s resolve to uphold its territorial claims in the South China Sea, it will also test Washington’s credibility as a reliable defense partner. Additionally, the military infrastructure that’s available in the Philippines could facilitate a rapid and massive deployment of US forces in the region, if it’s ever required.