US panel suggests Taiwan fund PH EDCA site upgrades for Taiwan defense

A US congressional panel has proposed 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.

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission recommended that the State Department facilitate a Foreign Military Sales case with Taiwan for non-weapons support services at EDCA sites in Luzon and Palawan.

This initiative aims to strengthen the US's capability to defend Taiwan against a potential invasion from China.

Taiwan's funding for these projects would be channeled through the US government's Foreign Military Sales program.

The proposal also suggests Taiwan could fund similar efforts in Japan and other Pacific Island nations that recognize Taiwan, which would ultimately benefit Taiwan's security.

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).