easyt65
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- Aug 4, 2015
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China Seeks to Build an Island Airbase 1800 Miles From Hawaii
All throughout history there have been signs of things to come that were dismissed at the time as being 'insignificant', the warning signs ignored. This is one of those times...
Kiribati is an independent island nation in the South Pacific Ocean roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii. Approximately one-half of the 120,000 residents of Kiribati live on the well-known atoll Tarawa, the scene of one of the worst battles for US forces in the South Pacific during World War Two.
The Island of Canton has served as a base for the US and allied aircraft during and after the war, and has been used by the United States military as an observation base during various missile tests over the Pacific.
Because of its strategic location and vast natural resources, Kiribati has been the subject of a struggle between China and Western-aligned countries in Asia and the South Pacific. In 2003, the Kiribati government gave formal recognition to the Taiwanese government in Taipei, creating hostility in its relationship with China.
Any significant build-up on Kanton, located 1,864 miles southwest of Hawaii and U.S. military bases there, would offer a foothold to China deep into territory that had been firmly aligned with the U.S. and its allies since World War II.
It’s possible the airport could support fighter deployments if it is modernized and improved, as well as increased in usable size.
The island could also be used to launch surveillance aircraft, as it is strategically located between Hawaii and the region containing Australia and New Zealand.
Political and military advisors who have warned China is our largest growing threat are correct.
