The United States is considering investing in a rotation force posture under its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines amid China’s continued aggression against Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea.
The rotation force posture is Washington's initiative with its allies to enhance interoperability and capabilities of troops, increase engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific, better position itself and its partner in responding to crises as well as generate economic benefits.
Such a development came after Department of National Defense (DND) chief Gibo Teodoro and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin talked by phone to discuss the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG)'s recent ramming of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea, which led to clash with and severe injuries of Filipino personnel.
"Both officials also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippine alliance in support of their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, including through cooperation with like-minded partners and bilateral initiatives to strengthen information-sharing, enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," a readout provided on Thursday, June 27, by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated.
Austin assured Teodoro of Washington's ironclad commitment to the Philippines following dangerous actions committed by China on June 17.
"Secretary Austin underscored continued U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights, and the two officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate—safely and responsibly—wherever international law allows," the readout added.