US panel proposes Taiwan support in upgrading EDCA sites

A United States congressional body has recommended that Taiwan fund upgrades to Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines to help Washington better defend Taiwan from a possible Chinese attack.

According to its 2025 Report to Congress, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission urged the US Congress to direct the US State Department to open a Foreign Military Sales case with Taiwan for non-weapons support services at EDCA sites in Luzon and Palawan.

This also includes efforts in the southwestern Japanese island chain and on the Pacific Islands that recognize Taiwan.

“Under this program, Taiwan would fund projects in third countries, ultimately benefiting its own security,” a portion of the report's "Chapter 11: Taiwan" read.

The recommendation for Taiwan was one of 28 proposals that the commission included in its annual report to Congress.

The commission also proposed that Congress pass legislation to equip the Philippines to more effectively counter China’s “military aggression and malign influence."

It urged Congress to prioritize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Foreign Military Financing and maintain its capacity-building programs funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The commission also suggested developing a “Quad Plus” dialogue to enhance the Philippines’ engagement with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and discuss illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities.

Meanwhile, the commission also urged the US Congress to further urged to prioritize initiatives in the Philippines, including cybersecurity, energy security and digital infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and public health.

US lawmakers were also called on to support the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) initiative with the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, aiming to develop infrastructure, connectivity, and supply chains across the Luzon Island region.

The report recommended strengthening defense and commercial shipbuilding in the Philippines in coordination with broader efforts among Indo-Pacific allies, including South Korea and Japan, and support mechanisms to enhance maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in the Philippines.

The Department of National Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the agency has no knowledge of the commission's recommendations. 

"We have no knowledge of this matter and no such matter has been raised by our US counterparts," Andolong told GMA News Online in a Viber message on Sunday.

In a separate message to GMA News Online, Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said the government is still studying the matter.

"The DFA and DND would be the appropriate institutions that will make the final decision on this matter," he said.

Signed in 2014, EDCA grants US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, allows them to build facilities, and pre-positions equipment, aircraft, and vessels.

The nine EDCA sites nationwide are Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana in Cagayan, Lal-lo Airport also in Cagayan, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu in Isabela, and Balabac Island in Palawan.  —RF/BM, GMA Integrated News