The United States has been amping up its presence in and around Asia in a series of strategic moves aimed at China. In addition to marines and ships stationed in northern Australia and Singapore, the US is in talks with the Philippines about expanding presence. All of this is in response to China's growing military power and assertiveness in staking claims to disputed territories, such as the energy-rich South China Sea. The Obama administration has also reached out to Vietnam and Thailand about re-establishing military ties. The US is not trying to take over these zones and establish giant bases "reminiscent of the Cold War", rather they want to maintain a lighter footprint and have marines and ships stationed on already existing bases. All of these strategic moves are happening slowly, considering the political sensitivities that exist in the Asian region. Many of these countries have kicked US presence out before, but as a new era of Chinese power ushers in change, these countries are making moves to react to it.
http://wapo.st/ws4f3U
Jill Laumbacher
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