MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday declared as constitutional a defense pact that allows American forces, warships and planes to temporarily base in local military camps, in a boost to U.S. efforts to reassert its presence in Asia as China rises to regional dominance.

Ten of the 15 members of the high court also ruled that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which was signed by U.S. and Philippine officials in 2014 and has a 10-year lifespan, is an executive agreement that does not need Senate approval, court spokesman Theodore Te said.

“EDCA is not constitutionally infirm as an executive agreement,” Te said at a news conference after the justices’ long-awaited vote.

The ruling will bolster U.S. efforts to reassert its presence in Asia and dovetails with Philippine efforts to harness America’s help in addressing China’s aggressive acts in the disputed South China Sea.

Washington immediately welcomed the court’s decision, saying the defense pact is a mutually beneficial accord that will bolster both countries’ ability to respond to disasters and strengthen the Philippines’ military.

Left-wing activists said they would consider filing an appeal, adding that U.S. military presence won’t solve the country’s worries over China in the disputed waters.

“This is another sad day for Philippine sovereignty,” said left-wing activist Renato Reyes, who was one of those who challenged the legality of the defense accord before the high court. “We maintain that the EDCA is not the solution to the problems of China’s incursions.”

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