US and Philippines Expand Military Presence with Four New Bases.

The US military will open four new naval bases in the Philippines, with three in the northeastern part of the island to counter Chinese aggression in the region. The move comes amid high tensions between the US and China over fears that Beijing will seek to take control of Taiwan in the coming years and aggressive efforts to assert control over the South China Sea. The expansion in the Philippines will provide a major boost to the US presence in the region, as part of efforts to neutralize China’s influence.