Xinhua, China’s official News Agency harshly and strongly criticized the Philippine Supreme Court’s backing on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that will allow the US military, warships and aircraft to camp in local military bases in the Philippines.
The Chinese news agency said, Wednesday, that the agreement will only escalate tensions and only a threat to regional peace and stability.
Xinhua said that the Philippines is “turning to Uncle Sam” to counter China, saying Manila would bear the negative consequences of what it called a “stupid move.”
The ruling of the SC will bolster the United States efforts in reasserting its presence in Southeast Asia, with the Philippines desire for American help in countering China’s territorial claims.
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US welcomes court ruling on PH defense pact
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling saying the U.S. looks forward to the implementation of the deal which will contribute to modernization and improve both countries’ response to humanitarian emergencies.
“We welcome the Philippine Supreme Court’s decision that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is consistent with the Philippine constitution,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. “We look forward to implementing this accord, which will increase the interoperability of our armed forces and contribute to modernization and improve our joint capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies.”
