The Philippines on Tuesday granted the U.S. access to four more military bases, allowing Washington to expand its presence in the region and bolster its deterrence against China’s aggression. In a statement from the Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. and the Philippines will "accelerate the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the agreement to designate four new Agreed Locations in strategic areas of the country." The agreement will also expand joint military trainings, drills and "interoperability" between the U.S.