America Accelerates Construction of a Second 'Crossroads'

Saipan is not an island that draws a lot of attention from the world, but recently it drew notice due to U.S. military plans for the area. An article published on Foreign Policy magazine’s website seemed to de-emphasize this by just stating a few words: The U.S. military plans to rent 33 acres in Saipan for use over the next 50 years and renovate the former World War II Air Force base into a “alternate airfield.” However, those who know basic strategy know it is not as simple as some U.S. media outlet officials make it out to be.

A map of the Western Pacific shows that Saipan Island is in an extremely important strategic location. During the Cold War era, the U.S. and other countries had careful plans for the three inhabited Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan, Rota and Tinian. Today it is again looked upon as a “home location” for a few reasons: First, China and other countries’ control and attack precision technology have advanced; China has developed “Dongfeng 21D” medium-grade missiles which have a range of more than 1,500 kilometers. America’s formerly unparalleled aircraft carrier security has also diminished between Guam and the Northern Marianas. By constructing and improving installations on Saipan, Tinian and other islands, it can prevent and counter mid-range missile threats and attacks. If needed, it can also provide aircraft carriers with reliable assistance and protection.

Also, the U.S. currently utilizes important military weapons facilities on the island of Guam, where weapons are stored at a variety of bases, the most important being the navy base in Apra Harbor and the Anderson Air Force base. Things controlled from the bases include: B-52 and B-1B strategic bombers, B-2A stealth bombers, “Los Angeles” and “Virginia” nuclear-powered attack submarines, 64 AGM-86C guided missiles and F-22 stealth fighters, along with RQ-4 “Global Hawk” surveillance aircraft, etc. As it stands now, the risk of putting “all eggs in one basket” is too great, but building and renovating bases and airports on Saipan, Tinian and other islands would provide improved security.

The U.S. is also taking into account Asian countries’ increasing naval strength and expanding interests abroad, which increases the number of warships, freighters and other transport ships sailing these waters — not only for security when passing by Guam, where there is a sense of systematization and frequent use, but also anticipating future increase in maritime travel through the waters closer to the Northern Mariana Islands. Among U.S. officials there are still a small number with a Cold War mentality doing their best to advocate for strategies of holding back and surrounding opponents, using stealth tactics. Adding a variety of new monitoring installations in the Northern Marianas could help intercept weapons. Added facilities would also allow the islands to become a “major passing point” on water routes along with Guam, to implement the expansion and securing of a stronghold in the South Pacific.

It’s obvious that while the U.S. always talks to other countries of peace, cooperation, alliance and development, at the same time it hasn’t forgotten to build up first-class strength in the world. At the very least it wants to update any generation gap in weaponry to be equal with any opponents with new technology, so as to be able to effectively counter any strategic theory. Up to the present, the U.S. still ignores any criticism and “entices” alliances and comrades’ support to build on the islands in order to perfect blockade lines and quickly construct another “passing center,” so it can continue to deploy Navy and Air Force troops in the Western Pacific. Thus, should the situation in faraway waters become grave or possibly escalate into a crisis or war, if there are warships or cargo ships going through these waters, the U.S. presence is felt.