For Washington, it is very important maintain control over the particular strait to ensure that ALL OF US forces will have unimpeded access to Taiwan in the event of a war with China, he additional.
Mister Ridzwan said he believes this is the key reason behind US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to the Philippines this week, as securing bases for an ALL OF US presence can deny China the ability to exert its forces over the Luzon Strait.
The deal, which will see the US pump within US$82 million to get infrastructure investments at existing sites, is certainly “very significant” since this is Washington’s first enlargement of defence accessibility in Southeast Asia in recent years, said Doctor Graham.
The particular agreement will make it easier for US factors to operate in the region, by allowing access with regard to joint training, constructing of facilities, and storing of devices and supplies.
While defence chiefs from both countries did not state the particular locations of the basics, Dr Graham declared that plans for army exercises later this season hint at a build-up in presence in the north of Luzon.
MANILA’S BALANCING ACT
Experts said Manila today threads a sensitive line between the ALL OF US and China, since Beijing will likely be infuriated by Thursday’s deal.