A Chinese base at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal would effectively support a chokehold over the Luzon Strait and the maritime approaches to Manila and Subic. It would also increase Chinese surveillance of Philippine military bases and activities in Luzon.

Observers say Beijing could be using its ‘old playbook’ of deploying scientific activities to boost military presence in the South China Sea.

A Chinese base at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal would effectively support a chokehold over the Luzon Strait and the maritime approaches to Manila and Subic. It would also…