The US embassy in Bangladesh has expressed its desire to deploy troops to ensure the safety of its people. However, the Bangladesh police have opposed this move. Former US President Donald Trump has also expressed interest in regaining control of the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan. This would allow the US to simultaneously monitor China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
In response to China’s growing military strength, the United States is attempting to increase its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. It has utilized joint military exercises for this purpose. China’s advanced missile capabilities now pose a threat to all US bases in the region, including the Anderson Air Force Base on Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Shifting its focus from the Middle East, the US is now concentrating on the Asia-Pacific region to counter China’s growing influence.
The security policies of other Asian countries are also being affected by the military competition between the US and China. US military exercises have taken place in Southeast Asia in the first six months of 2025.
In Bangladesh, over 100 US soldiers conducted a joint military exercise with the Bangladeshi Air Force in Chittagong. A US C-130 Hercules aircraft arrived in Chittagong for the joint exercise. Chittagong is located near the border of northeastern India and Myanmar, while St. Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal is close to the Strait of Malacca. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had alleged that the US planned to remove her after she refused to cede St. Martin’s Island.
Donald Trump has stated that the US is trying to regain control of the Bagram Airbase from the Taliban. The US President mentioned he is in talks with the Taliban. However, the Taliban has refused to hand over the base. The base was used for MQ-9 Reaper drone operations and other reconnaissance and attack aircraft. It is strategically important, being close to China, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia.
The US maintains an airbase in Okinawa, Japan, where approximately 50,000 troops are stationed. This includes the Yokosuka Naval Base and the Kadena Airbase. These bases serve as a strategic balance against China and North Korea. In South Korea, approximately 28,000 US soldiers are present.
In the Philippines, the US has increased its presence since 2023. Under the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement), the US has access to nine military bases in the Philippines, including Luzon, Palawan, and Cagayan. Joint military exercises are held between the two countries every year.
In Thailand, the US does not have a permanent military base, but the Cobra Gold joint military exercise is conducted between the two countries. US combat aircraft and logistics sometimes operate from Thailand.
In Singapore, the US does not have a permanent military base, but the US P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) operate from Singapore ports. The Changi Naval Base provides logistical support to the US.
