Pacific Island Governor Supports $800M U.S. Military Upgrade
The Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, Arnold Palacios, believes the $800 million military upgrade on Tinian is necessary. He asserts that improving defense infrastructure is vital due to growing concerns about China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tinian is a small island with about 3,500 residents. It is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory. Historically, Tinian played a key role during World War II as a base for nuclear bombings. Now, it will receive major military upgrades, including a new airfield. These changes are part of a wider U.S. strategy to strengthen its security presence as tensions with China rise.
Governor Palacios stated, “The world is changing in the Indo-Pacific, and we need to acknowledge that.” He emphasized the need for defense readiness against potential threats. He pointed out recent Chinese missile tests and military actions near Taiwan as serious issues. He noted that should conflict arise, the Northern Mariana Islands would be affected. “We’re the second chain of violence,” he explained.
The U.S. Department of Defense is already working on the Tinian upgrades. This includes repairing the airfield and enhancing other military infrastructure. The first phase, focusing on runway updates, is expected to be finished by 2025. The $800 million funding covers the $384 million airfield project and an additional $409 million for new training facilities, equipment, and support for military operations.
Tinian’s location is crucial for the U.S. military’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific. It serves as a backup for bases in Guam and other Pacific sites. The U.S. Air Force plans to rejuvenate over 1.85 million square meters of runway for rapid military deployment. They also aim to build a training complex with combat skill ranges and landing zones.
These upgrades are part of a broader effort to enhance the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific and respond to China’s military assertiveness. Michael Walsh, a researcher at the Lasky Center for Transatlantic Studies, believes these changes could signal U.S. deterrence. However, he warned that China might neutralize these forces in the event of major conflict.
Governor Palacios hopes that regional tensions will ease. Still, he stresses the importance of having strong defense infrastructure. “We hope that things will get dialed down,” he said, “but we cannot afford to be afraid.”
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