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Why the Philippines Reopens its Base for US Military?

Why the Philippines Reopens its Base for US Military?
F-22 Raptor, USAF © Photo by Dylan McLeod on Unsplash

In 1991, the Philippines ordered the closure of two US military bases in its territory, the Subic Bay Naval Base and the Clark Air Base, following pressure from anti-US activists and the Philippine Senate. This move was seen as a significant blow to the US military's presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the Philippines' approach to the US military presence. In 2014, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed between the Philippines and the United States, allowing for a larger and more regular US military presence in the Philippines. Under the agreement, the US military was granted access to several Philippine military bases.

One of these bases is the former US naval station in Subic Bay, which the Philippines recently reopened to the US military. This move has generated controversy within the Philippines, with some critics arguing that it violates the country's constitution and sovereignty.

So why did the Philippines decide to reopen the Subic Bay naval base to the US military?

One factor is the Philippines' ongoing territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including areas that are also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The dispute has led to increased tensions and military buildups in the region.

The Philippines has traditionally relied on the US as its key security partner, but the country's military capabilities have been limited. By allowing the US military access to Philippine bases, the country is able to enhance its defense capabilities and deter potential aggressors, including China.

Another factor is the Philippines' relationship with the US. Despite occasional tensions, the US remains an important economic and military partner for the Philippines. The US is the Philippines' second-largest trading partner and largest source of remittances. The two countries also share a history of military cooperation, dating back to the US colonial period.

The reopening of the Subic Bay naval base to the US military is also seen as a way to boost economic development in the region. The base, which was once a major hub for US military operations in the Pacific, has the potential to attract investment and create jobs.

However, critics argue that the US military presence in the Philippines violates the country's sovereignty and puts it at risk of being dragged into conflicts that do not serve its interests. They also point to the US military's history of abuses in the Philippines, including the rape of a Filipino woman by US servicemen in 2005.

In conclusion, the decision to reopen the Subic Bay naval base to the US military is a complex one, with both strategic and economic factors at play. While the move may enhance the Philippines' defense capabilities and strengthen its relationship with the US, it also raises concerns about sovereignty and the potential risks of getting entangled in conflicts that do not serve the country's interests.

Akhyari Hananto

I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how to More understand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia. I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine. I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan" I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacy Less
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