Philippines' new military base near Taiwan will have China watching

The Philippines has activated a new military base in the Taiwan Strait, a move analysts say could improve Manila's ability to monitor the contested waterway, but also risks drawing the country deeper into a future conflict between China and Taiwan.

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The Mahatao forward operating base sits on Batan Island, just 120 miles south of Taiwan. It is the biggest military investment the Armed Forces of the Philippines has made in the strategic Batanes island chain.

While the facility will have little immediate impact on Chinese maritime activities in the waterway, analysts say it signals Manila's goal of deterring Beijing through military buildup rather than hoping neutrality will provide it protection.

China in recent years has stepped up large-scale military drills around Taiwan, frequently sending its assets around the island in exercises designed to simulate a blockade.

Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.

Here's why the Philippines believes it cannot stay neutral in a Taiwan conflict and how the new base fits into its defense calculations.

Geography makes neutrality impossible

The Philippines sits at the center of any potential Taiwan invasion scenario, whether Manila wants involvement or not.