The Philippines told the U.S. it would scrap an agreement considered a cornerstone of the two countries’ military alliance, a move the U.S. State Department said would have serious implications for the relationship.

The Visiting Forces Agreement, signed in 1998, facilitates the visits of U.S. troops, ships and aircraft to the Philippines. It has provided the foundation for American soldiers to train Filipino troops, conduct joint exercises and assist in counterterrorism.

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