NAVAL BASE PROFESSIONAL

Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. Throughout the duration of World War II, Naval Air Station Seattle served as the premier center coordinating naval aviation activities within the Thirteenth. This commentary originally appeared on World Politics Review on August 5, 2019. Heath is a senior international and defense researcher at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. The remainder of this commentary is available at.

The most militarized of China's strategic support points are the fortified artificial islands it has built up recently in the South China Sea and the logistics support base in Djibouti established in 2017.вЂ¦ Chinese analysts point out, however, that these locations are envisioned as providing benefits to their hosts and generally are not capable of supporting any offensive operations. In fact, Chinese officials and analyst have fairly consistently rejected the idea that the country even seeks вЂњmilitary bases,вЂќ which carries a negative connotation in China of fortified locations featuring large deployments of armed troops historically favored by imperial powers.Д¬hinese scholars have instead upheld the ideal of вЂњstrategic support pointsвЂќ to describe locations that provide logistical support for overseas military operations or act as forward bases for deploying military forces overseas. Both Cambodia and China strenuously reject the suggestion that a вЂњmilitary baseвЂќ is underway, but their statements do not necessarily deny the possibility of other sorts of arrangements. One issue contributing to the controversy has been the nature of the potential military facilities. Chinese officials similarly dismissed the reports, calling them вЂњnot true.вЂќ His government promptly organized a tour for foreign journalists to visit the purported location of the future base. вЂњNo such thing could happen because hosting foreign military bases is against the Cambodian constitution,вЂќ Prime Minister Hun Sen asserted. Vice President Mike Pence sent a letter expressing concern about the agreement, Cambodia's government swiftly denied the reports. The facilities, if managed by the Chinese, could support visiting ships and aircraft of the People's Liberation Army Navy that are engaged in patrols and other noncombat missions in the South China Sea.ДЄfter U.S. Images have also shown the construction of a military-grade airport and a development project of dubious commercial viability. According to a draft of the deal obtained by the Journal, it would reportedly grant China a 30-year lease on the port and permit the stationing of troops and storing of weaponry in an installation that covers 192 acres and includes one pier and other facilities. Late last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that China and Cambodia had signed a secret agreement allowing the Chinese navy to use a military facility near Ream, along Cambodia's southern coast.

Naval base