"Philippine President Rejects US Access to Military Bases Amid Rising China Tensions"

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that there are no plans to grant the US access to additional military bases in the country, emphasizing that the existing American military presence was a response to China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The decision to allow US forces access to four additional bases last year had raised concerns in China. President Marcos highlighted China's assertive actions in the region and emphasized the importance of media exposure to such actions. Additionally, he mentioned that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines could be invoked if Filipino servicemen are attacked by a foreign power.