Manila: A U.S. initiative to establish a critical technology hub in the Philippines marks a significant return to the former site of one of its largest overseas military bases, experts in the country informed Radio Free Asia. The planned hub is part of the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, designed to strengthen supply chains for semiconductors, AI, and rare earth elements. It will be constructed in New Clark City, north of Manila, on land that was once part of a U.S. military reservation complex, including Clark Air Base, until the Philippines regained control in 1991. According to Radio Free Asia, Chester Cabalza, founder of the Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, emphasized the symbolic significance of the U.S. returning to Clark. He noted that it represents a historical shift in geopolitical dynamics, transforming a symbol of post-Cold War withdrawal into a modern testament to the strong U.S.-Philippine alliance. The strategic nature of the location is underscored by the evolution of global power dynamics since the Cold War era, with the Pax Silica hub set to play a crucial role in securing technology supply chains for the U.S. and its allies amid China's growing influence in the AI sector. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed concerns regarding the geopolitical implications of the initiative. He clarified that the Philippines' involvement is primarily economic and practical rather than political. Despite ongoing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, Marcos stated that the Pax Silica plans are focused on fostering economic partnerships, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such collaborations. Marcos highlighted that the Philippines is open to investment opportunities from any interested parties, provided they contribute to economic growth and improve the lives of the Filipino people. He assured that the government would evaluate the benefits of any agreement or arrangement to ensure it aligns with national interests. While the proposed t ech hub is expected to generate employment, environmentalists and nationalist groups have expressed concerns about potential agricultural displacement and aquifer depletion. Chester Cabalza acknowledged these concerns but argued that the strategic investment, if well-planned, would bring substantial infrastructure financing and bolster the digital supply chain, despite the possibility of economic retaliation from China. Vincent Kyle Parada, a defense analyst at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila, described the Pax Silica initiative as a defense mechanism against potential Chinese influence. He noted the importance of securing supply chains from any malign interference, emphasizing the role of Pax Silica in Washington's strategy to mitigate risks by transferring production to friendly countries. The Philippines' involvement in the initiative reflects its pursuit of strategic autonomy, according to Arnaud Leveau, president of the Paris-based Asia Center. He stressed the importance of the Phili ppines using this opportunity to strengthen its technological and industrial sovereignty, cautioning against replacing dependence on China with reliance on another external partner. Leveau concluded by acknowledging the complexity of completely disengaging from China, given its significant role in various industrial and technological sectors globally. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that recognizes China's industrial importance while pursuing strategic autonomy.