Yes, of course,
It's not like the US bases are there for no purpose.
Some countries have demonstrated their determination to "annex", invade and subvert independent nations, their legitimate governments and their people.
Tell me which nation was under threat in the South China Sea that required the uninvited annexation of islands in the direct path of international trade routes, and then require vessels and aircraft to request permission to pass through those international waters? All the while surrounded by military assets.
Sometimes it is necessary to squeeze the puppet back into it's box. Very few countries have the capability to project that influence.
IG