TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Philippines has opened a new base at a strategic location close to Taiwan's southern approaches that could serve a key role if China tries to invade.
On Aug. 28, the Philippine military officially inaugurated its largest forward operating base to date in Batanes, the country’s northernmost province, less than 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers) from Taiwan, per Liberty Times. The new base, located in the town of Mahatao, will house Philippine navy and marine units.
Northern Luzon Command Commander Lieutenant General Fernyl Buca said the facility “strengthens our ability to defend the northern frontier,” per the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Maritime expert Chester Cabalza told the Inquirer that the move is a response to the “irregular presence this month of armed Chinese coast guard ships in the Bashi Channel," which is situated in the northern Luzon Strait.
Cabalza said the new forward operating base will significantly enhance maritime domain awareness in the Luzon Strait. He added that, “It closes the gaps on national security against frequent incursions of foreign aggressors, particularly that Batanes is a front line province just below Taiwan."
He also noted that the Mahatao forward operating base “functions as a contingency facility in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.” He explained that a forward operating base is “a strategic launching point and logistical hub for quicker response" in the event of a Chinese invasion.
In April, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Romeo Brawner instructed troops to prepare for a Taiwan invasion, stressing that the Philippines would “inevitably” be drawn into such a conflict, per USNI News. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also reiterated in August that due to geographic proximity, if hostilities break out across the Taiwan Strait, the Philippines cannot “stay on the sidelines,” per The Philippine Star.
USNI News reported that in recent years, the annual Balikatan exercises have highlighted the defense of Batanes. During Balikatan 2024, US forces positioned sensors, HIMARS rocket systems, and aircraft across Batanes.
Former Philippine Representative to Taiwan Angelito Banayo, in August, told CNA that under the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, all US bases in northern Philippines are oriented toward Taiwan and directed at China. Therefore, he said, if war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, the Philippines will ultimately also become part of the conflict.
