Checkmate?

The establishment of four additional US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines may be likened to a game of chess.

The EDCA allows the United States military to build and operate various military bases and facilities in the Philippines. However, there are concerns about some of these sites, especially those situated near the South China Sea, and their potential effects on Taiwan.

In the overall scheme of things, this US military presence is seen by some as a strategic move by the US to contain China’s growing influence and assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Evidently, the Philippines has reestablished its security alliance with the US, hosting an original five military bases with permanent American personnel, as well as five armories.

A closer examination of the map reveals the strategic significance of the Philippines’ location in the region, particularly to Taiwan, as the northern regions of Luzon and Batanes are near both China’s coast and Taiwan’s.

Similar to a chess game, the US is said to be strategically positioning its military resources to discourage any hostile actions from China — an approach, perceived by others, that helps uphold a defensive stance and promote security in the region.

Like a game of one of the oldest and most popular board games, some potential risks and outcomes come with each move. To name a few are the fears that it may lead to heightened tensions and possible conflicts in the area, and the apprehensions about how the US military presence might affect the Philippines’ sovereignty and the rights of its inhabitants.

Overemphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with China and avoiding a military conflict, the US has stated that its military presence in the region is defensive, not offensive.

There is, however, a statement made by Lt. General James Bierman, commander of the US Third Marine Expeditionary in Japan, that is appallingly disturbing to the senses.

“Why have we achieved the level of success we’ve achieved in Ukraine? A big part of that has been because, after Russian aggression in 2014 and 2015, we earnestly got after preparing for future conflict: training for the Ukrainians, pre-positioning of supplies, identification of sites from which we could operate support, sustain operations,” Bierman told a British daily news site in January this year.

This is the catch. “We call that setting the theatre.

And we are setting the theatre in Japan, in the Philippines, in other locations,” Bierman was quoted as saying.

The US and its Asian allies, he said, were following the same preparations that allowed Western nations to assist Ukraine in resisting Russia, in anticipation of potential scenarios like a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Is this a case of falling hook, line, and sinker for a US ploy? That the possibility of harm to Taiwan and even Filipinos originates from the existence of certain US military bases and facilities within the reach of Chinese missiles, which may be employed to attack Taiwan in the event of a conflict.

With the US’ emphasis on the importance of peaceful relations with China and avoiding a military conflict, it is hoped that diplomatic efforts will continue to be prioritized in the region; and that in maintaining peace and stability, it must do so with careful consideration of the potential risks and consequences.

Chess requires making bold and resolute moves. Similarly, in life, it is important to be resolute and steadfast in pursuing our goals and beliefs. When we make plans or take action, it is important to stand firm and defend what we believe is best for us.

This same principle applies in chess, where sometimes it is necessary to take bold and aggressive moves to counter threats or obstacles on the board.

But this should not be at the expense of peace-loving people.

“Similarly, in life, when we make plans or take action, it is important to stand firm and defend what we believe is best for us.

“Chess requires making bold and resolute moves.