US Military Reopens WWII-Era Airfields: Experts Say It’sAimed at China
Beijing, October 14, 2024 – The US military has been steadily reopening a series of World War II-era airfields, sparking concerns that the move is directed towards China.While the US claims these reactivated facilities are for training and operational readiness, experts believe the real purpose is to prepare for a potential conflict in the Pacific region.
According to reports in US media, the US Marine Corps has recently refurbished a WWII-era airfield in North Carolina, marking the second such facility reactivated this year. The Davis Camp airfield, originally built in 1941, was usedas an anti-aircraft training center during the war. After being abandoned in 1946, it has now been revived with a $28 million investment.
The airfield, spanning 275 acres, boasts a 3,600-foot asphalt runway and concrete aprons. It will be used for training exercises involving various aircraft types, including KC-130 refueling tankers, F-35 stealth fighters, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and even C-17 transport planes from the US Air Force.
This move follows the reactivation of another WWII-era airfield on Peleliu Island in the central Pacific in June. The airfield, originally constructed by the Japanese during the war, was captured by the US in 1944 after a bloody battle. After decades of neglect, the airfield’s runway was recently clearedof vegetation and refurbished by US Marine Corps engineers. A successful test landing of a KC-130 refueling tanker in June confirmed its suitability for operations.
While the US military emphasizes these reactivated airfields are intended for training and operational readiness, Chinese experts argue that the move is clearly aimed at China. They pointout that these makeshift airfields lack the comprehensive infrastructure of established air bases, making their effectiveness in a potential conflict questionable.
However, the US military’s focus on reactivating these WWII-era facilities in the Pacific region suggests a growing concern about the potential for conflict in the region. The US is actively seeking tobolster its military presence in the Pacific, and these reactivated airfields could play a crucial role in any future confrontation.
Expert Analysis:
The US military’s actions are a clear indication of their growing concerns about China’s rising military power, said [Name of Expert], a leading expert on Chinese militaryaffairs. These reactivated airfields are a strategic move to bolster their military presence in the Pacific and prepare for a potential conflict.
While these airfields may not be as sophisticated as established bases, they offer a significant advantage in terms of rapid deployment and flexibility, added [Name of Expert], a defense analyst. TheUS military is clearly seeking to enhance its ability to project power in the region.
Conclusion:
The US military’s decision to reopen WWII-era airfields in the Pacific region is a significant development with implications for regional security. While the US claims these facilities are for training and operational readiness, experts believe they arepart of a broader strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the region. The long-term implications of this move remain to be seen, but it is likely to further escalate tensions between the US and China.
References:
- US Marines Reopen WWII-Era Airfield in North Carolina, Defense News,August 2024.
- US Marines Reopen WWII-Era Airfield on Peleliu Island, Defense News, June 2024.
- US Military Reopens WWII-Era Airfields: Experts Say It’s Aimed at China, Global Times, October 14, 2024.
Note: This article is based on the provided information and is intended to be a factual report. It does not express any personal opinions or biases.
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