The United States Naval Base at Subic Bay, Philippines, once hailed as one of the largest military bases globally, ceased operations in 1992. However, 32 years after the US Navy’s departure from the Philippines, the looming threat from China is provoking discussions of a potential return. At this very moment, the United States military finds itself intricately entangled in high-stakes negotiations, embarked on a path towards the establishment of a bustling civilian port within the enchanting and remote Batanes Islands. Situated in the farthest reaches of the Philippines, this endeavor is shrouded in a veil of mystery, as unpredictability and complexity dance hand in hand in this unfolding narrative. This strategic move results from an extended defense cooperation agreement between the two nations.
Development of the Port:
The reported US plan to develop the port came to light in August during the 72nd anniversary celebration of the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by the US and the Philippines. Within the pages of this treaty, a binding and unshakable alliance emerges, uniting these two nations in solemn solidarity, vowing unwavering assistance in the face of foreign invasion or acts of aggression. In this covenant, the United States resolutely upholds its unwavering dedication to safeguard and shield the Philippines from any peril that might beset its coastal borders. This development emerged shortly after a concerning incident when the China Coast Guard harassed Philippine ships during a resupply mission near the Ayungin Shoal on August 5, eliciting condemnation from not only the US but also the UK, Japan, and several other countries.
This year’s joint military drills, along with massive live exercises at sea, have fueled speculation. These exercises coincide with China’s aggressive monitoring of all its borders, with particular focus on the South China Sea.
Kanishka Gangopadhyay, a spokesperson for the US embassy in Manila, revealed that US Embassy and US Army Pacific experts have been proactively engaging with the local government “at their request.” The discussions encompass various facets, including engineering, medical, and agricultural development projects in the region. Marilou Cayco, Batanes Governor, has actively sought American assistance to construct a port that can facilitate cargo ships navigating through the treacherous waters during the monsoon season. The proposed location for this port is Basco Island, strategically chosen due to the frequent inaccessibility of the existing port caused by highways. Furthermore, the Philippines’ armed forces have expressed a keen interest in radar technology to bolster their monitoring capabilities in the region. Although US officials have held multiple discussions with Philippine counterparts, the final decision is anticipated in October.
An esteemed senior officer within the Philippine Navy has emphatically emphasized the indispensable nature of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), particularly within the realm of humanitarian assistance and the execution of disaster relief operations,” voiced an authoritative source. When questioned about the potential expansion of EDCA sites to Subic, another officer emphasized that EDCA transcends its defensive role; it also plays a pivotal part in honing the skills and capabilities of their officers.
Expanding US Presence:
The expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), particularly the proposed Naval Base, has grown into a paramount issue concerning America’s emerging strategic footprint in the region. The proposed port, situated approximately 200 kilometers from Taiwan, not only enhances American access to the region but also escalates tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Beijing perceives any US efforts aimed at bolstering ports and facilities in Pacific islands as a direct threat, viewing them as potential springboards for US intervention in the event of a Chinese attempt to use force against Taiwan. This perspective holds whether the facilities are overtly military or ostensibly civilian, as they can all be used to facilitate US support for Taiwan in a confrontation.
Even though the United States formally adheres to the One China policy, officially recognizing a single Chinese government and upholding formal diplomatic relations with Beijing rather than Taiwan, it has nurtured robust connections with Taiwan by supplying military assistance in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act.This act is designed to provide the island with the necessary means to defend itself.
Zhiqun Zhu, a professor of political science at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, views the proposed port in Batanes as the latest indication of the US’s unwavering commitment to encircle China and obstruct its aspirations to reunify with Taiwan. “This new proposed port, combined with other activities around China, will further erode mutual trust between the two countries,” he added.
Tensions in the Region:
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, in a July policy brief, pointed out heightened tensions in the region, as China’s People’s Liberation Army deployed a dozen warships near Taiwan. This development has raised concerns about potential misjudgments between the US and Chinese militaries. The United States shares these concerns, and public opinion within the country reflects growing apprehensions about China’s activities. In an Ipsos survey conducted in August, it came to light that nearly a third of Americans perceive China as an impending menace to the United States. In a noteworthy revelation, 40 percent of those surveyed articulated the notion that the United States could become embroiled in a confrontation with China in the next five years. This comprehensive survey engaged 1,005 adults who spanned a broad political spectrum, and it’s essential to note that it carried a margin of error of 5.3 percent. Moreover, a resounding two-thirds of Americans hold the viewpoint that the United States should enhance its preparedness to address potential military challenges arising from China.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the proposed port in Batanes epitomizes Washington’s strategic maneuver to forge closer ties with Asian nations, ultimately countering China’s expanding dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. China perceives these US initiatives as inflammatory actions that exacerbate regional tensions. As the US extends its military presence in and around the South China Sea, including strategic choke points like the Batanes Islands, the geopolitical landscape is poised for transformation. While these actions may not necessarily safeguard maritime shipping in the region, they certainly serve to deter potential adversaries, most notably China, and recalibrate the dynamics among Washington’s purported ‘allies’ in the region.
