It was announced Wednesday afternoon by the Obama
administration that plans to establish a military presence in Australia were
underway. The plan initially calls
for only about 250 Marines to be housed on Australian bases on a six-month
stint but there are later aspirations of the number becoming more along the
lines of 2,500 strong. While
there, troops will take advantage of the regions biome by undergoing amphibious
training, provide training to Australian and Asia-Pacific military forces, be
able to store some American owned aircrafts, be of any humanitarian assistance
required and perhaps, most importantly strengthen alliances of the region [1]. Though the number of troops seems
somewhat insignificant, the symbolism is not lost on the Chinese government who
have voiced a tone of skepticism on the matter. The fact that some of the main Australian territories U.S
troops will occupy, such as Darwin, are a short plan ride to China might have
something to do with their unenthusiastic frame of mind. Though, the administration claims that
the major goal of the action is it bond ties to the Australian nation, it also
doesn’t deny that the Chinese distrust is unfounded, “The notion that we fear
China is mistaken” President Obama told reporters, “This is a region of huge
strategic importance to us” [1].
Though the international attention this plan is getting might
just be making mountains out of molehills, it’s hard to say when any military
action by the United States is not an important one. Yet, with the waves of economic woes still crashing down on
our country, many believe any money or energy, even small amounts, could be put
to better use. However, there are
also few Americans (official or unofficial) who accept the idea that Asian
regions especially China should be ignored. With China bordering India, Burma, Pakistan and, North Korea
many agree that a close presence in these areas is smart and needed. Perhaps with the plethora of worries plaguing
the minds and hearts of Americans, the idea that America is fortifying it’s
foreign alliances while also gaining a outlook on it’s competition, will bring
a sense of relief. After all,
doesn’t the sane go “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”.
After reading your editorial regarding President Obama's recent visit to Australia, I was left wondering why the President felt that this trip was necessary. I understand that Australia is a strong ally to the U.S., but I was unsure of why President Obama felt that we needed a stronger military presence there. So as I did some research (see here: I & II), I found more than one answer to my question.
ReplyDeleteSince mid September there has been a slow reigniting of old territorial disputes in the South China Sea. This began with the detainment of Chinese fishing boats by Japan near the Senkaku Islands which later led to a standoff resulting in the release of the Chinese crewmen. China has also faced similar disputes with South Korea. With tensions mounting, President Obama hopes that with the U.S. and Australia showing solidarity, potential threats can be avoided.
The U.S. also hopes that the closer proximity to these South Pacific nations will allow us to respond more quickly to natural disasters that have recently plagued the region.
I found both reasons to be "acceptable," but I couldn't help agreeing with you that it seems as though President Obama just wants to keep a closer eye on China, and wants our presence to be a tad bit more apparent to that booming nation across the way. I guess the best way to do that is to get as close to them as we possibly can.