A U.S. congressional body that advises lawmakers on China policy has recommended that Taiwan fund upgrades to Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines — a measure it says would strengthen Washington’s ability to defend the self-ruled island...
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A U.S. congressional body that advises lawmakers on China policy has recommended that Taiwan fund upgrades to Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines — a measure it says would strengthen Washington’s ability to defend the self-ruled island in the event of a Chinese invasion.
In a 745-page report released earlier this week, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission urged Congress to direct the State Department to establish an arrangement allowing Taiwan to fund infrastructure upgrades and support services — but not weapons — at EDCA sites in Luzon and Palawan.
This funding, according to the commission's report, would go through the US government's Foreign Military Sales program.
In 2023, Manila gave the US access to four new military sites up from the existing five under the EDCA, which allows the US to rotate troops and pre-position defence material, equipment and supplies in “agreed locations” in the country.
The four new bases include one on Palawan island facing the South China Sea, and three in northern Luzon, some 400km from Taiwan.
"Such investments would make sense for Taipei because they are directly related to the US ability to defend Taiwan, if the political decision was made to do so," Randall Schriver, the commission's vice chairperson, was quoted as saying.
According to Schriver, using the Foreign Military Sales program would provide "political cover" to Taiwan, which may not want to be seen as directly spending to upgrade a Philippine base.
The commission proposed that Taiwan fund projects in the Philippines, Japan’s southwestern islands and Pacific nations that recognize Taipei to help bolster the U.S. posture and regional deterrence around Taiwan.
“Taiwan would fund projects in third countries, ultimately benefiting its own security,” the report said.
The recommendation is one of 28 proposals in the commission’s annual report to Congress.
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