31-8-2023 (MANILA) The US military is in discussions regarding the establishment of a civilian port in the remote northernmost islands of the Philippines, a move that could significantly enhance American access to strategically vital islands facing Taiwan, according to statements made by the local governor and two other officials to Reuters.
This potential US military involvement in a port within the Batanes islands, located less than 200km (125 miles) from Taiwan, has the potential to escalate tensions in a period of increasing friction with China. It also coincides with Washington’s efforts to bolster its long-standing defense treaty engagement with the Philippines.
The Bashi Channel, situated between these islands and Taiwan, is a recognized choke point for vessels transiting between the western Pacific and the contested South China Sea. It’s considered a critical maritime corridor in the event of a Chinese incursion into Taiwan. Taiwan’s defense ministry has noted regular Chinese military movements through this channel.
Marilou Cayco, the provincial governor of the Batanes islands, communicated to Reuters her pursuit of US funding for the construction of an “alternative port” in the region. This port is intended to facilitate cargo unloading from Manila, especially during rough seas in the monsoon season. Plans are reportedly focused on Basco island, where the existing port often becomes inaccessible due to high waves. A decision on the matter is anticipated as early as October.
Over the past year, the Philippines has nearly doubled the number of military bases that can be accessed by US forces, ostensibly for humanitarian purposes. Additionally, thousands of US troops are stationed in the country at any given time, rotating in and out for joint training exercises. China has criticized these US moves, characterizing them as “stoking the fire” of regional tensions.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding the proposed port in Basco. Two other Filipino officials, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, revealed that US troops had recently visited Batanes to discuss the port. A senior military official mentioned the Filipino armed forces’ interest in radar installations to enhance monitoring capabilities in the area.
Cayco confirmed the visit, indicating that the US team came “one time to assess” the proposed alternative port.
These developments come against the backdrop of Washington’s efforts to strengthen ties with Asian nations in response to China’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines, a former colony and treaty ally of the United States, is a key player in this strategy.
Kanishka Gangopadhyay, a spokesperson for the US embassy in Manila, acknowledged discussions with the governor and local government but did not specifically mention the port. He noted that US Embassy and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) experts had been engaged to explore ways in which USARPAC could support various development projects in the province, including engineering, medical, and agricultural initiatives.
The current President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has pursued closer ties with the United States, allowing access to additional military bases, some in close proximity to Taiwan. He has also announced joint patrols in the South China Sea, citing the potential usefulness of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) bases in the event of a conflict involving Taiwan.
Security officials in Manila have expressed their belief that any military conflict in the Taiwan Strait would inevitably impact the Philippines due to its geographic proximity to Taiwan and the presence of over 150,000 Filipinos on the island.
The Batanes islands served as a training site during this year’s joint military exercises, known as Balikatan, involving more than 17,000 Filipino and American troops. During these exercises, Governor Cayco voiced her intent to seek investments for seaports and airports in the province, particularly in light of concerns about mounting tensions that could lead to Filipinos fleeing Taiwan if conflict erupts.
In recent months, the Philippines and China have clashed over disputed waters in the South China Sea, further complicating regional dynamics.
Cayco clarified that discussions with the US did not include the EDCA or radar installations. She also noted that there have been no talks about the level of US access to the proposed port. However, she affirmed that all ports in the area could be used by troops for regular military exercises, such as Balikatan.
Jay Batongbacal, a maritime affairs expert at the University of the Philippines, emphasized the potential significance of the proposed port for the islands’ defense in a worst-case scenario. He explained, “If I were a Chinese strategist, I would want to take the Batanes at minimum in order to ensure control of the Luzon straits and use the island to prevent the approach of adversary naval forces.”
