Why is the Philippines important to America?

According to IRNA, Reuters news agency on Sunday investigated some of the important issues surrounding this trip, which we read together.

The Philippines is a former American colony and became an ally of the United States in 1951, five years after independence.

During the Cold War, the Philippines was home to some of America’s largest overseas bases and critical installations for the US wars in Korea and Vietnam.

Philippine nationalism forced Washington to evacuate these bases in the 1990s, but in recent years these allies have been fighting terrorism and in response to increasing Chinese military pressure in the South China Sea where the Philippines claims owns, have cooperated.

Today, due to its geography, the Philippines plays a central role in US plans to deter and respond to China’s attacks in Taiwan.

Jose Manuel Romualdez, Manila’s ambassador to Washington, told Reuters that tensions over Taiwan are expected to rise during Harris’ meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday.

Harris is also scheduled to make a symbolic stop in the Philippines’ Palawan Islands in the South China Sea to show US support for its ally.

But where does the Philippines stand in American chess for a possible conflict over the Taiwan issue?

Of America’s five allies in the Indo-Pacific region, which are Australia, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand, the Philippines is the closest to Taiwan, and its northernmost region, Luzon, is 200 kilometers from Taiwan.

According to experts, including Randall Shriver, who worked in the administration of former US President Donald Trump as the Pentagon’s top official for the East Asia region, Luzon is a big advantage for the US military, especially as a potential area for rockets, missiles and Artillery systems that could be used to counter an attack on Taiwan.

In describing the strengthening of security cooperation between Washington and Manila, it can be said that the two sides have advanced an advanced defense cooperation agreement.

The agreement allows the US access to Philippine military bases for joint exercises, pre-positioning of equipment and the construction of facilities such as fuel depots and military accommodation, although the presence is not permanent.

It is unclear to what extent the Philippines will allow its territory to be used to defend Taiwan.

Romadels, the Philippine ambassador in Washington and a relative of the President of the Philippines, recently said that Manila will allow American forces to use its bases in case of a conflict in Taiwan, provided that this issue is important for the Philippines and the country’s security.

Now the question is, what is the impact of Taiwan’s conflict on the Philippines?

Some believe that it is very difficult for the Philippines to remain neutral in the Taiwan conflict due to its proximity to the island and its obligations to the United States.

The Philippines is likely to be the closest destination for Taiwanese refugees, and about 150,000 Filipinos based on the island of Taiwan would be at risk from a Chinese attack.