The US is preparing a plan to blockade China in the Pacific

Narrow waterway at the centre of the new US defence strategy

As reported by Reuters, The United States has deployed troops and anti-ship missiles in the Northern part of the Philippines, near Bashi Straits - a narrow passage connecting the South China Sea with the open Pacific Ocean.

Objective. to block the Chinese fleet's access to the Pacific Ocean, If Beijing decides to launch a military operation against Taiwan.

«You can't invade Taiwan if you don't control the north of the Philippines,» said former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Emmanuel Bautista.

Batanes Island - a new military outpost

On the islands Batanes province, Located less than 150 kilometres from Taiwan, US and Philippine forces are conducting ongoing training in amphibious defence.
During recent manoeuvres, the United States has twice deployed to these islands Missile launchers with anti-ship missiles.

Locals recall how in 2023 they first saw landing helicopters landing US marines. Since then, the region has been transformed from a «peaceful remote corner» to the front line of China's deterrence.

Bashi is a «narrow throat» for the Chinese fleet

The Bashi Strait is one of the most important maritime corridors in Asia. Trade routes connecting the South China Sea with the Western Pacific Ocean pass through it.
For China, this path is Critical access to the ocean depths, The Russian Federation has a strong presence in the region, where its aircraft carriers and submarines can operate.

«We must be able to deprive China of control over the Bashi Strait. That's where it will be decided who wins and who loses,» said Rear Admiral Rommel Ong, former Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy.

A new balance in the Pacific

Washington and Manila have intensified cooperation within the framework of EDCA agreements, which allows the US to use Philippine bases.
Experts believe that the creation of a network of defence points around Taiwan a key part of the US strategy of “containing Beijing”.

Analysts point out that in the event of an escalation over Taiwan, the United States and its allies could to carry out a naval blockade, blocking Chinese forces from reaching the open ocean.