By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Guam’s proximity to China makes it a default launch pad for any counterattack in the event of a conflict in the region, a top-ranking Navy official said, vowing defense of the island amid escalating threats from the People’s Liberation Army.
“American prosperity and security depend on free and open oceans, and Guam is a strategic hub for critically important activity for the Navy and for our Department of Defense,” said Tom Mancinelli, acting undersecretary of the Navy.
“It is physically closer to Beijing than Hawaii," Mancinelli said.
In the past weeks, China has been displaying provocative actions such as the launch of a missile test over the Pacific Ocean and the deployment of forces around the waters of Taiwan.
"Our efforts here are designed to deter regional aggression and safeguard the interests of the United States as well as our allies and partners,” Mancinelli said.
“If deterrence fails, we will fight from Guam, and we will fight for Guam,” he said.
Macinelli traveled to Guam and Hawaii with Deborah Rosenblum, acting deputy undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, from Oct. 13 to 18 to meet local officials and military leaders.
“The visit focused on regional security and stability, as well as the defense of American interests and our allies and partners,” states a press release from the Navy.
The Navy officials’ visit followed the Chinese military’s Sept. 25 launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which according to Stars & Stripes’ report flew 7,400 miles before splashing down in Hawaii.
The U.S. military has been ramping up resources on Guam, which is often referred to as the “tip of the military spear.”
"The United States has always been and remains a Pacific power," Mancinelli said.
The U.S. Navy vowed to strengthen the military’s partnership with the local government and the civilian community.
"We won't do anything about Guam without Guam,” Mancinelli said.
He said the defense department “will continue to work together with the governor's office to understand how the military build-up on Guam can be done in partnership with the civilian community.”
“We are committed to ensuring that Guam remains secure and resilient," said Mancinelli. "So I thank the governor and the CHamoru people for their contributions to U.S. national security, and for their strong and consistent support of the military presence on Guam."
While acknowledging Guam’s role in regional stability, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero noted the need to balance community needs with national security demands.
"Our administration remains fully committed to promoting peace and stability in the region, with a primary focus on ensuring Guam's security in the face of growing threats," Leon Guerrero said.
"The relationships we've established with the Department of Defense and our federal partners create a strong foundation for advocating for the needs of the people of Guam while navigating the unprecedented military expansion on the island. It is vital that we continue building upon these partnerships, from our local federal and DoD collaborators to Indo-Pacific Command and the Pentagon," she added.
Leon Guerrero reiterated her demand for more federal investments in Guam to support infrastructure, healthcare and Typhoon Mawar recovery efforts.
"While we understand that the Department of Defense may not have statutory authority over some of our needs, they can serve as advocates in securing other federally funded resources, including congressional authorizations and appropriations that are essential for the people of Guam,” Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said.
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