THE United States’ Elite Delta Force launched on Jan. 3 a precision strike on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of its leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. US President Donald Trump announced their capture and transport to New York to face federal criminal charges, such as drug trafficking and narcoterrorism.
The news captured the imagination of Filipinos, who are avid fans of Hollywood action flicks like “Rambo” and “The Expendables.” But beyond the fanfare over hypermasculine films, military planners are stunned by the speed and audacity of the attack. Venezuela’s defenses collapsed quickly against the US’ overwhelming technology, weaponry and intelligence gathering. It is a reminder that in today’s warfare, no amount of resistance among developing countries can easily match the supremacy of global military powers.
So what’s the implication of this US military raid for us?
First, the Philippines is already facing China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militias harass Philippine vessels and intrude on our territorial waters. They continue to focus their water cannons on and collide with our supply vessels, amplifying a pattern of coercion. The US raid on Venezuela is a warning to Beijing to reconsider its bullying of Washington’s known allies, like the Philippines. It demonstrated the extent the US can take military action to uphold its geopolitical supremacy. China must reconsider its risk calculus in escalating its row with the Philippines to avoid American retaliation.
Second, despite the condemnation of the United Nations Security Council, the “might makes right” foreign policy has emerged as America’s new doctrine. Analysts are fearful that Russia and China may adopt similar principles in their respective spheres of influence, leading to a sort of free-for-all where brute force trumps international laws. For diplomats, the seizure of a sitting president signals a return to the gun-boat diplomacy of the 20th century, when colonial powers used outright force to bend the will of weaker but resource-rich states. Critics warn that such actions weaken global peace, the rules-based international order and economic prosperity.
Third, the attack on Venezuela can be interpreted as flexing of US military might — an ominous preview to adversaries of what their fate would be if they block American interests. Aside from reasserting the so-called Monroe Doctrine over the Western Hemisphere, the US emphasized Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific as crucial to its security interests. The First Island Chain, composed of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, is the linchpin of the US pivot to Asia and its strategy in containing China. Under the Trump administration, the focus is not only geopolitical supremacy, but also geoeconomic dominance over China. Americans would secure and consolidate oil and natural gas reserves, precious Earth minerals, high technology (computer chips) and supply chains at China’s expense in an increasingly zero-sum game.
Fourth, the raid revives deep, painful historical memories for us. The Philippines endured brutal American occupation from 1899 to 1903, in which an estimated 200,000 Filipino combatants and civilians died. Yet despite this, Filipinos remained pro-America. As a former US colony, our foreign policy has closely been intertwined with America. During World War II, we suffered extensively from the Japanese occupation and the US bombings to liberate us. The US naval and air bases were stationed here for nearly half-a-century after independence in 1946. These were used as launching pads for American military operations against communist insurgencies in Southeast Asia.
Thus, the Philippines has “piggybacked” on America’s military supremacy since the 1952 Mutual Defense Treaty was signed. The US attack on Venezuela foreshadows future military adventurism that could threaten peace in our region, particularly if we are drawn into wider conflicts.
Fifth, the US, however, treats the Philippines as a mere defense platform to preposition advanced weaponry, such as surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles and high-end systems. Worse, the US regards Northern Luzon as one frontline in a potential war with China over Taiwan, risking the lives of millions of Filipinos. If war breaks out, the Northern Luzon Command shall assist Taiwanese forces, evacuate refugees and 200,000 overseas Filipino workers, and allow the US to use Batanes for counterattacks against the Chinese.
The US military action against Venezuela indicates that, in the era of great-power rivalry, America’s gloves are off. The US is openly asserting geopolitical dominance in every corner of the world. Any adversary of US interests must be prepared to face the brunt of its military power. Unfortunately, in this high-stake game, the Philippines remains a pawn. Thus, we must unify our domestic front, build a credible defense and accelerate our military’s modernization so that we are not relegated to being bit players in the intensifying competition among superpowers.