If the US, together with the Philippines and Japan, fail to fortify these strategic island networks, American Pacific power will be pushed back to Hawaii. Allies will also face an authoritarian and mercantilist regional order that they do not wish to see return. China can be contained, but the time to act is now.
- The article “Increasing the Archipelagic Defense from the Philippines to Japan” discusses strategic measures to counter China’s military advantages within the First Island Chain.
- Key points include enhancing fixed defenses on critical islands to complicate PLA operations, leveraging undersea sensor networks, and deploying mobile strike capabilities.
- The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the US are highlighted as crucial for bolstering regional security.
The article underscores the need for immediate action to contain China’s expansionist ambitions.
