10 Mar 2017

Guam an unwitting target in rising geopolitical tensions

From , 6:05 am on 10 March 2017

Guam's role as the forward strategic point for the projection of US force in the Asia Pacific has made the Micronesian people of this island an unwitting target.

As a "non-incorporated US territory", Guam hosts major American airforce and naval bases, and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD, anti-missile system.

But while local support for the US military on Guam remains strong, mixed feelings are growing over evolving geopolitical tensions.

Johnny Blades reports.

Guam is strategically important to the United States, housing both an Air Force and Navy base. Here, a US F-16 flies along the island's coastline.

Guam is strategically important to the United States, housing both an Air Force and Navy base. Here, a US F-16 flies along the island's coastline. Photo: US Department of Defense