Exclusive: U.S military in talks to develop port in Philippines facing Taiwan

[rangerrebew]

Exclusive: U.S military in talks to develop port in Philippines facing Taiwan
By Karen Lema and Poppy Mcpherson
August 30, 20236:29 AM EDTUpdated 6 hours ago

 

MANILA, Aug 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. military is in talks to develop a civilian port in the remote northernmost islands of the Philippines, the local governor and two other officials told Reuters, a move that would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan.

U.S. military involvement in the proposed port in the Batanes islands, less than 200 km (125 miles) from Taiwan, could stoke tensions at a time of growing friction with China and a drive by Washington to intensify its longstanding defence treaty engagement with the Philippines.

 
The Bashi Channel between those islands and Taiwan is considered a choke point for vessels moving between the western Pacific and the contested South China Sea and a key waterway in the case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The Chinese military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the channel, Taiwan's defence ministry has said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-military-talks-develop-port-philippines-facing-taiwan-2023-08-30/

[rangerrebew]

Not to have Olongapo right outside the gate is a travesty the guys today can't even grasp.

[SZonian]

Ah, smart move. Get the US to invest possibly billions in developing a port.

Once completed, have the Philippine president throw another tantrum and kick the US out once again...

[ironhorsedriver]

Not to have Olongapo right outside the gate is a travesty the guys today can't even grasp.

Amen Brother! I fondly remember my forays over the bridge into town. A young sailors paradise.

[rangerrebew]

Ah, the bridge over sh*t river!

[sneakypete]

What happened to the huge port that we used to have there?