The Philippines are considering converting two islands located in a strategic location in the Gulf of Sobic into military reservations – analysts say it will strengthen its position in the South China Sea amid increasing security fears and external threats.
One of them, Grande Island, offers a “strategic observation point with a clear view of the main marine corridors in the Western Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinlooc [Scarborough Shoal]On Thursday, the Ministry of Defense said, using Manila for the South China Sea region, which is located within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
The Grande and Chiquita Islands are located at the entrance to the SUBIC Bay, a natural port on the western coast, Luzon, about 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Manila.
The Sobic Bay worked as a major American naval base until 1992, when the American forces withdrew after the Philippine government’s decision not to renew the lease contract.
However, the area is still necessary for military activities, with the use of the Philippine and American forces to re -supply ships with fuel and reform. Soyk port is also used to bring American military equipment to the Philippines during Balikatan exercises.
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