U.S. considering seeking greater base access in Philippines, top admiral says

FILE PHOTO: Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command speaks at the IISS Special Lecture in Singapore March 16, 2023. REUTERS/Caroline Chia/File Photo

MANILA (Reuters) - The United States is considering seeking access to more military bases in the Philippines under a defence agreement between the two countries, the chief of the U.S. Indo-Pacific command said on Thursday.

Admiral John Aquilino in a joint press conference with the Philippines' military chief Romeo Brawner said he had mentioned the possibility of expanded base access with senior leaders under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).