The US and Philippines have announced significant access to additional military sites in the northern part of the Philippines on the island of Luzon.
The US is not recreating past naval and air bases, but building on current agreements to have access to four crucial sites within the country.
The new logistics hubs fill in the arc around the South China Sea and are just southwest of Taiwan, giving the US enhanced ability to coordinate logistics, ammunition, fuel, surveillance, and command-and-control.
In Guam, the US Marine Corps is building its first new base in 70 years, Camp Blaz, which combined with base access in the Philippines, marks a change in America’s presence in the region.
The access agreement is a diplomatic success for the US and a strong signal to Beijing that the Philippines will remain independent and will develop relationships to contest the region. The Philippine military will receive enhanced training, equipment, and engagement with the US military.
The US is strengthening relationships with old friends like the Philippines, staunch allies like Japan and South Korea, and traditional partners like Australia.
The new access agreement and US base in Guam are seen as landing like a lead balloon in Beijing.
