Washington and Manila have signed a defence pact that will allow the US to base ships and aircraft in the Philippines, as part of an effort to counter the rise of China.

Just hours before US President Barack Obama lands in Manila on the final leg of his Asian tour, Philippine and US officials signed the 10-year renewable deal. It provides the Pentagon with the kind of access to bases in the Philippines that it has lacked since the US was forced to shut its base in 1991.

The pact helps the US put more muscle behind its Asia “pivot”, as China grows more assertive in the region. It provides the Philippines with renewed support as the southeast Asian nation faces what it sees as intimidation from China amid escalating maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea.