TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The struggles of influence and strength among the great powers in the Asian region not only happen in diplomatic or economic realms but also in the form of physical presence embodied in military bases.
The United States (U.S.), the People's Republic of China (China), and Russia are three countries with major geopolitical stakes in Asia. They position strategic military assets at various key points, either through permanent bases, rotational presence, or security cooperation with partner countries.
Here is a list of overseas military base locations quoted from Gfsis.org and Visualcapitalist websites:
United States
The United States has the widest network of military bases in the Asian region as part of its "forward deployment" strategy to maintain regional stability and forge security relations with traditional allies such as Japan and South Korea.
In Japan, the U.S. operates several major bases, including Kadena Air Base in Okinawa—the largest U.S. air base in Asia—and Yokosuka Naval Base, the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet. Other bases include Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base, and Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, the U.S. has Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, which is currently the largest U.S. military base overseas. Some other bases are Osan Air Base, Kunsan Air Base, and other supporting facilities originally centered at the Yongsan Garrison.
In the Western Pacific region, Guam, although an American territory, serves a strategic purpose in military operations over East Asia and the South China Sea. The two main facilities in Guam are Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam.
America also expands its influence in the Philippines through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which provides rotational access to five locations: Antonio Bautista Air Base (Palawan), Basa Air Base (Luzon), Fort Magsaysay, Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, and Lal-lo Airport, as well as two additional locations announced in 2023.
Although not having a permanent base in Singapore, the U.S. uses the Changi Naval Base and Paya Lebar Air Base for ship and aircraft rotations. Meanwhile, the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, although outside Southeast Asia, is an important point in U.S. military operations in South Asia and the Middle East.
China
Different from the U.S.'s established presence outside its territory, China is still in the process of expanding its military network overseas. So far, China's only official overseas military base is in Djibouti, East Africa. However, in the Asian region, Beijing has built several military facilities in the South China Sea, especially in the man-made islands in the Spratly Islands.
Three main locations are Fiery Cross Reef (Yongshu Jiao), Subi Reef (Zhubi Jiao), and Mischief Reef (Meiji Jiao). These artificial islands have been equipped with airstrips, radars, missile launchers, and military ports, significantly bolstering China's territorial claims and its ability to control international shipping lanes.
Beijing also has strategic relations with countries such as Pakistan (through the Gwadar port project), Cambodia (especially at Ream Port, which is suspected to be developed into a military facility), and Myanmar. In Tajikistan, China has surveillance posts that support security operations around the Afghanistan and Central Asia borders.
Russia maintains several military bases in Central Asia, most of which are legacies of the Soviet era. In Tajikistan, Russia operates the 201st Military Base, which is the largest Russian overseas base. Meanwhile, in Kyrgyzstan, Russia has the Kant Air Base, and in Kazakhstan, Russia still uses the Baikonur Cosmodrome, although its function is more focused on space activities.
In the Caucasus region, Russia manages the 102nd Military Base in Gyumri, Armenia, which serves as a vital observation point for NATO movements on the eastern border. Despite being located in Western Asia, Russia's military presence in Syria, especially at the Hmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base, is also considered part of Moscow's power projection in the Eurasian region.
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