US Bases in the Philippines?

President PNoy to Obama: "I want a ship this big"

POSSIBLE finalizing of talks and negotiations regarding putting up US bases and deployment of troops in the Philippines as President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit the country this April.  

Philippines and US panels resume negotiations to allow increased rotational presence of American troops in the Philippines

The piers where American aircraft carriers once tied up are largely empty, although a nearby boat club is filled with luxury yachts owned by Hong Kong millionaires who jet in for weekends.

But bringing back the once-spurned Yanks won't be so simple. The reasons illustrate the way that China's rapid rise as a regional military power—one that now possesses fleets of modern warships, nuclear-powered submarines, ballistic missiles and stealth fighters—has reshaped the calculus for Pentagon planners in Asia since that vote to eject the American forces.

For a start, the Philippines itself would have to reverse a constitutional ban on allowing a foreign power to establish a permanent military base. But assuming that was possible, America still wouldn't be interested. Bases are potential sitting ducks for Chinese missiles. Plus, they are expensive. At a time of budget cuts, it's far cheaper to sign a treaty with friendly countries guaranteeing access for U.S. forces than to pay rent. In military-speak, America wants "places not bases".


read more about: The Obama Visit April 2014