A New Frontier of Tension: Malaysia's Growing Concerns Over Balabac Island Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over a US backed Philippine military base on Balabac island, just kilometers from Malaysia's eastern state of Sabah.
This development is not surprising, given the long standing territorial disputes between Malaysia and the Philippines.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) allows American forces access to designated locations in the Philippines and provides funding for infrastructure development.