GOOD MORNING FROM LONDON #237
The US is preparing for great power competition with China but adding new bases, securing new airfields/ports in Indo-China presents problems.
“We’re talking to Indonesia…we have ongoing engagements with Thailand…we have warehouses in Vietnam” says US Army Secretary Whitley. But does it amount to much? – 125 Indonesian Army soldiers had training in Louisiana in October 2020
And the US is aware that Chinese missiles can destroy American assets at a base in a single strike.
Can the US persuade Japan to let its US base install mid to long-range weapons on their territory? There will be a political backlash as local citizens become aware they will become a first strike target. The pressure is on the US to reduce, not increase its military presence in Okinawa. Allies in the region are not queuing up to offer US military assistance.
The US is reviewing its Indo-Pacific military footprint but problems are everywhere.
