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Reuters
Reuters
Politics
By David Brunnstrom and Karen Lema

Explainer-Why U.S. seeks closer security cooperation with the Philippines

Philippines Gregory Poling China Taiwan EDCA South China Sea United States Manila Ferdinand Marcos Jose Manuel Romualdez
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III walks past military guards during arrival honors at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo military camp in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 2, 2023. Rolex dela Pena/Pool via REUTERS

The Philippines this week granted the United States greater access to its military bases, amid mounting concern over China's intentions toward self-ruled Taiwan and Beijing's extensive claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Here are answers to some questions about the U.S.-Philippines relationship:

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