‘Assigning sentinels’: Philippines eyes Subic Bay islands for South China Sea security
Experts say it might be legally and logistically difficult to repurpose Grande and Chiquita Islands but political will might hold sway
The Philippines is considering converting two strategically located islands in Subic Bay into military reservations – a step analysts say would fortify its position in the South China Sea amid growing security concerns and external threats.
One of them, Grande Island, offers “a strategic vantage point with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc [Scarborough Shoal],” the defence department said on Thursday, using Manila’s term for the region of the South China Sea that falls within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Grande and Chiquita Islands are located at the entrance of Subic Bay, a natural harbour on the west coast of Luzon, around 100km (62 miles) northwest of Manila.
Subic Bay served as a major US naval base until 1992, when American forces withdrew following the Philippine government’s decision not to renew the lease.
However, the area continues to be essential for military activities, with Philippine and American forces using it to resupply, refuel and repair vessels. Subic’s port is also used to bring US military equipment into the Philippines during its Balikatan exercises.