The coastal town of Santa Ana in the Philippines has gained strategic importance to the United States and the Philippines, leading to the presence of rotating batches of American forces under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. This agreement aims to strengthen military alliances in Asia to counter China’s assertiveness in the region, especially in the South China Sea. The town’s location near Taiwan, a territory the U.S. has vowed to defend, puts it at the center of the geo-political rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
Although some villagers in Santa Ana have expressed concerns about living near U.S. forces, others see the American presence as crucial in balancing China’s military might. Economic benefits and aid from the U.S. military presence are also seen as potential advantages for the town. The prospect of increased tourism due to the heightened attention on Santa Ana is also a positive development for the town’s economy.
With tensions between China and Taiwan escalating, authorities and village leaders in Santa Ana are discussing contingency plans in case of an armed conflict. Emergency shelters for potential refugees in the event of a military showdown are being considered. Meanwhile, another rural town in Cagayan province, Lal-lo, has designated part of its airport as a possible encampment site for American forces, highlighting the growing U.S. military presence in the region.
The U.S. military is building a new presence in smaller areas within Philippine military camps, compared to the massive bases they previously occupied in the country. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement allows U.S. forces to stay rent-free at military sites and store defense equipment. The agreement has been extended, with additional sites for American forces identified last year by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The renewed U.S. military presence is aimed at bolstering Philippine defense and rapid response to natural disasters.
China has expressed concerns about increased U.S. troop deployments in the Philippines and sees the EDCA sites in the northern part of the country as potential surveillance outposts and staging grounds to contain Beijing. The display of combat readiness by the U.S. and the Philippines serves as a deterrence to prevent a major conflict, signaling to Chinese leader Xi Jinping the cost of any aggressive actions. The strategic importance of Santa Ana in this geo-political landscape highlights the evolving dynamics in the region as countries navigate their security interests.
