Drums of war in the Western Pacific?

"Will that be it? Five new bases in the PI with a new base in Guam? My opinion? Not hardly. The more China pushes on us, the more we will push back. Viet Nam, who 50 years ago was an arch enemy, is now a friend and trading partner."

Last week, one of the more well know news pundits was asked what he thought the major news story of the week was. He listed a couple of candidates (and they were good ones). For me however, the biggest news story of the week was split between the Philippines and Guam. As Donald Trump would say, both stories were "Yuge"! So, here they are, ICYMI...

During the Viet Nam War, we just about wore out our welcome in the Philippines (PI). It was not our finest moment. In fact, many in the PI wanted us booted out of there, with our bases shuttered. Truthfully, once Viet Nam was over, and the Soviet empire fell, much of our military presence in the western Pacific was not as needed. But then came Chinese expansionism, and the threats on Taiwan. All of a sudden, living on the edge of the South China Sea became a dangerous place to be.

This week, the United States and the PI signed an agreement to allow the United States to establish five new military bases in the PI. This is beyond huge! This gives us a solid footprint in an area which is vulnerable to Chinese mischief. It will give us a "ying" to China's "yang" (so to speak). 

Most of the new bases will be air bases. However, the door has been left open for a future Marine Corps base. Unfortunately, Clark AFB and Subic are not the bases they once were, if needed to be brought back into the fray. However, there might be some new life breathed into both of them, should Chinese expansionism continue. In any event, this is a loud and very clear signal to China that we are still here, and ready to counter any unwanted mischief.

Besides the PI, Guam is also in the picture. How much are we concerned about China these days? For the first time in 70 years, we are opening up a new base is Guam. It will be a Marine Corps base, and is expected to house at least 5,000 troops when fully operational.

Will that be it? Five new bases in the PI with a new base in Guam? My opinion? Not hardly. The more China pushes on us, the more we will push back. Viet Nam, who 50 years ago was an arch enemy, is now a friend and trading partner. They are NOT fans of China, and I would not be surprised to see us get invited to open a military presence in Viet Nam. Or establish more of a presence in Australia. In any event, the stage is being set for something which could suck us into another war, half a globe away.

One final thought. That balloon which floated over our country, unchallenged and unimpeded. I think this might have been a message from China. If push comes to shove, all of the action might not be taking place in China's back yard. They might want to take the fight to us - on (or over) our shores. Just some musing...