Manila's base plan targets China

Facility has long history

Subic Bay is located about 100 km northwest of Manila Bay. It was formerly the site of US Naval Base Subic Bay, a major maritime facility. It is now an industrial and commercial area known as the Subic Bay Freeport Zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

It holds a hallowed place in naval history. According to the SBMA's official website:

In 1800, Spain discovered it was a naturally deep and strategically located harbor and soon built a naval fortress.

In 1898, a US fleet seized the port after destroying the Spanish fleet in the Battle of Manila Bay.

In 1909, the US navy selected it as a repair and supply depot. During the Vietnam War, Subic Bay's piers and anchorages were used as repair and refueling stops for hundreds of ships each month.

In 1992, after almost 90 years as a US military facility, Subic Bay was turned over to the Philippines.

CHINA DAILY