Philippines set to offer eight bases for use by US military

The Philippines plans to allow the US military to operate out of eight bases in the face of China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, The Guardian reported, citing military spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla. The decision had not yet been finalized following the Philippine Supreme Court’s upholding of a 10-year security accord, but the facilities planned for use include the former US Clark airbase and air and naval facilities on the island of Palawan, facing the South China Sea. The move is the latest taken by Manila – which accuses Beijing of increased aggressiveness in its waters- seeking closer defense ties with the United States.