In the deterrence geography of the Western Pacific, the “Second Island Chain” is crucial for U.S. and Allied forces to stage, base, and generate capabilities to deter or defeat any Chinese overt invasion of Taiwan or seizure of Philippine territory.
This Second Island Chain starts at the southwest with the Republic of Palau, followed by the Federated States of Micronesia and the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Palau President Expresses Grave Concern, Seeks Help
Last month in Tokyo, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. told Reuters how the Chinese regime is destabilizing his country. Palau has remained steadfast in its recognition of Taiwan, which has drawn the ire of Chinese influence operations.Solomon Islands Teetering on Edge of Falling Behind Chinese Iron Curtain
The Solomon Islands has been experiencing a disturbing trend started under the previous administration of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who had signed a pact with Bejing for “police training” in the wake of violent protests by citizens against his government for his closeness with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The police training scenario was eerily similar to the Hong Kong strategy that Beijing exercised by sending heavily armed paramilitary police into Hong Kong, replacing the traditional Hong Kong Police forces.French New Caledonia in Turmoil
Completing the three-fer flanking the bottom of the Second Island Chain is the obscure and rarely heard from French New Caledonia, a French possession from colonial days that has suddenly broken out in violent upheaval.The Chinese sweep around the bottom or left flank of the Second Island Chain appears to be playing out. This campaign has the added feature of not only threatening U.S. efforts in the Second Island Chain but also cutting off Australia from the United States.
Noted China expert Bradley Thayer said the following: “In World War II, the Japanese attempted to cut the SLOC [sea line of communication] between the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand. Thankfully, they were stopped.”
“Today, the People’s Republic of China is attempting to achieve the same strategic end through different means. So far, they have been successful at gaining influence with these governments and thus providing a foundation for triumphing where the Japanese failed. The PRC’s actions must be reversed immediately.”