In a pointed critique of current geopolitical alignments in Asia, Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University has voiced strong concerns regarding the presence of United States military bases in the Philippines. Sachs suggests that recent strategic moves by both Manila and Tokyo are essentially serving a broader US agenda to contain China.
Addressing the dynamics in the region, Sachs noted that Japan has overlooked its own historical legacy of aggression. He argued that by aligning closely with US containment strategies, Japan is repeating patterns that ignore its past.
The critique was even more direct regarding the Philippines. Sachs asserted that the Philippines has effectively surrendered its national sovereignty by allowing the continued and expanded US military presence. He warned that instead of providing a security blanket, these bases actually increase vulnerability.
Drawing a parallel with the Gulf countries, Sachs cautioned that hosting US military installations often turns a nation into a strategic target rather than ensuring its safety. He emphasized that the perceived protection offered by the US military is an illusion that carries significant risks.
Sachs concluded with a clear piece of advice for the Philippine government: to achieve true sovereignty and genuine security, the country must move toward removing the US military from its soil. By doing so, he argues, the Philippines can reclaim its independence and navigate its regional relationships as a truly sovereign nation.
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Jeffrey Sachs: US bases are not safe for the Philippines, get them out
cgtn.com
