China is expanding its military footprint across the Pacific, conducting simultaneous aircraft carrier drills and dispatching naval vessels into new waters, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal. In June, Chinese carriers performed joint operations near Japan’s Iwo Jima, marking the first time a Chinese carrier moved beyond the second island chain.
Chinese ships also circled Australia earlier this year, performing live-fire drills which New Zealand’s defense minister described as a “wake-up call.”
Chinese aircraft also continue to cross the median line in the Taiwan Strait and enter Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo described the activity as consistent with invasion rehearsals.
How is the US responding to China’s military moves?
The United States has deployed the Army’s Typhon missile system to the northern Philippines, placing Chinese targets within striking distance. U.S. officials have also increased access to bases in the region and expanded their presence in Guam by building a new base for 5,000 Marines.
Under President Trump, the United States has not explicitly committed to an American military defense of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, instead reverting to the pre-Biden doctrine of strategic ambiguity. The U.S. continues to sell arms to Taiwan and train some of its troops, however.
Additionally, the Air Force has restored North Field on Tinian Island, a former World War II airfield, to support flexible operations in austere conditions. Satellite imagery reviewed by Straight Arrow News confirms that all four runways have been reclaimed.
What role do allies play in US strategy?
The Trump administration has urged allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Japan plans to raise spending to about 2%, while South Korea maintains that its defense budget is already high. Meanwhile, a U.S.-led multinational exercise involving 19 countries — Talisman Sabre 2025 — began in Australia to strengthen allied coordination.
Beijing has condemned many of these actions as provocative. Senior Chinese Communist Party official Liu Jianchao said U.S. warnings incite “confrontation and conflict.”
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Author: Matt Bishop
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