Philippines builds military base in Balabac amid US presence and China concerns

The remote Philippine island of Balabac is being transformed into a strategic military base under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States. Located near a critical passage close to Malaysia, the area has seen increased patrols and joint exercises amid reports of Chinese warships passing through the strait. A runway has been built and further military infrastructure is under development, much of it kept confidential. Residents express cautious optimism that military activity may bring jobs and improved connectivity to a long-marginalised community, though concerns remain about the island's shifting role in regional superpower rivalry. Al Jazeera's Jamela Alindogan reports from Balabac Province, Western Philippines. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://x.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Balabac #Philippines #USPhilippinesAlliance #SouthChinaSea #MilitaryBase #ChinaUSRivalry #StrategicWaterways #AlJazeeraEnglish