Philippines plans military reservation on former US base islands

The Philippine Defense Department announced on March 20, 2025, that it is considering the conversion of Grande and Chiquita islands, formerly part of a United States naval base, into a military reservation. This strategic move aims to enhance the country's military presence in the South China Sea amidst escalating tensions with China, particularly regarding territorial disputes in nearby waters. The two islands, located in Subic Bay, are positioned to provide a clear vantage point over critical sea lanes within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The proposal aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration policy of asserting Filipino sovereignty in areas contested by Chinese forces. The decision comes shortly after a group of individuals, including a Chinese national, were arrested on Grande Island for serious legal violations connected to suspected espionage activities related to offshore gaming operations, raising concerns about the security of the area. The Philippines has been focusing on strengthening its national defense in the face of ongoing challenges posed by China’s presence in contested waters. The plan to convert these islands into a military reservation is viewed as a crucial step toward securing both the freeport zone and the development of a naval base in close proximity. Since the closure of the US base in 1992, the Subic Bay area has transformed into a freeport zone, with economic activities growing rapidly. However, the conversion of the islands proposes to not only bolster economic security but also provide defense capabilities that have been seen as necessary due to increasing military maneuvers by China in the waters that the Philippines claims as its own. Expansion of military partnerships with the United States has intensified since President Marcos sought deeper engagement with American forces, facilitating joint training exercises that include advanced military technologies. The geopolitical stakes surrounding these islands underscore how small territories can play significant roles in larger international conflicts. Historically, the region has been vital in military strategy and trade, which makes the Philippines’ decision even more important as it navigates its relations with both China and the United States. The conversion of the islands would not only reinforce the Philippines' position in the region but also serve as a clear signal of its intentions to assert its rights over contested maritime territories, aiming for a more robust and modern military framework going forward.