The United States hopes to build a strategic arc around the disputed South China Sea by strengthening ties with the Philippines. This comes after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's scheduled meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in Manila on Thursday.

The United States is after access to three of the Philippines' military bases in Luzon. With Luzon being the only large land mass close to Taiwan, the US can receive a front seat view of China's potential movements.

This new deal could be seen as America seeking to repair ties with the Philippines which have been strained since their exit in the early '90s. The Philippines, who had just overthrown their dictator Marcos, saw the US presence as a form of colonialism and welcomed the opportunity to prove their autonomy.

The US is not looking for permanent bases, instead searching for access to locations where surveillance and supplies can be found