[France24] The dirt airstrip on Peleliu, 2,500 kilometres from the Chinese coast, played a pivotal role in World War II, when China was a US ally and Japan the adversary. Now, the modest airfield, immortalised in several books, documentaries, and the 2010 HBO mini-series "The Pacific," finds itself at the centre of a modern arms race between Washington and Beijing.
Palau, an island nation, is one of the few countries in the Pacific that recognises Taiwan, placing it at odds with China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province. Palau also maintains a close relationship with the USA,
The KC-130J aircraft is a critical logistical asset for the US Air Force, capable of refuelling fighter jets and helicopters over a range exceeding 6,000 kilometres. This capability underscores the importance of Peleliu as a refuelling and logistical hub in the Pacific theatre.
In a bid to secure its presence in the Pacific, the US has announced a $7.1 billion budget for Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands over a 20-year period. This investment not only grants the US access to these territories but also allows Palauan citizens to work and study in the USA, and to join the US military and receive veteran healthcare benefits. 
|
