Return to Clark Air Force Base: Establishing Permanent Military Bases in the Philippines as part of the United States Grand Strategy in the South China Sea
Abstract
There are global strategic hotspots around the world the US is concerned about in which conflict at those locations could disrupt world stability. One location is the South China Sea. With the rise of China and the contested waters by neighboring nations the potential for conflict has increased over the years. The US should be concerned but also should look at this as an opportunity. The overall intent of the paper is to advocate the US reestablishment of permanent military bases in the Philippines. This will in turn formalize an enduring relationship between the US and Philippines while concurrently providing a credible deterrent against China. This paper analyzes the South China Seas strategic importance, and Chinese and American grand strategy in the region. This will set the foundation of the strategic picture with which to frame the Philippines South China Sea concerns and why it is now attempting to actively deter China. This paper will provide justification for why the US and the Philippines have an enduring relationship and how permanent US military bases will solidify that relationship and provide a credible deterrent to China. Finally counter points will be presented to display other options that are being considered but in the end the evidence will prove the papers advocacy correct.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1037574
Entities
People
- David B Woodley
Organizations
- Air War College