PH rules out EDCA expansion for now, reaffirms peaceful dialogue with China - Romualdez

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines is holding off on expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States for now, focusing instead on upgrading military capabilities and maintaining regional balance.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said the government sees no immediate need to increase the number of US-access sites under the pact.

“We’re satisfied with the current arrangement,” Romualdez said in an interview with NewsWatch Plus in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent trip to Washington.

“There’s been no discussion on additional EDCA sites. Right now, the priority is modernizing our armed forces,” he said.

The ambassador said that while Manila continues to deepen its defense cooperation with Washington, it is not turning away from Beijing. In fact, he said, the Philippines remains committed to open lines of communication and peaceful dialogue with its regional neighbor despite tensions in the South China Sea.

“We’ve been reaching out to China and continue to do so. Even during past administrations, we've always kept the door open. That hasn’t changed,” he said.

“Matagal na 'yang problema sa South China Sea,” he added. “Pero hindi natin sinasarado ang pinto.”

[Translation: The South China Sea issue has been there for a long time, but we’re not closing the door.”]

Romualdez said the Philippines continues to pursue an independent foreign policy, echoing Marcos’ message that the country will engage all partners, including both the US and China, based on national interest.

The recent high-level meeting between Marcos and Trump sparked concern from Beijing, which warned against targeting “a third country.” Romualdez said the talks support efforts to foster more cooperation, not conflict, in the region.

“This meeting wasn’t against or targeting any country,” he said.

The ambassador also said that while defense commitments with the US remain strong, the focus is shifting toward self-reliance and resilience, particularly in addressing military and economic vulnerabilities.

“We need to advance defense and economic strategies side by side, there’s such a thing as economic coercion, and we need to be prepared on both fronts,” he said.