The United States and Japan are establishing a powerful line of defense in the Pacific Ocean to block China's access to operational space and protect the American coast.
Former Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky discussed this strategy in an interview with political analyst Yuriy Romanenko.
The diplomat explained that for Washington, regional security is not merely a matter of protecting allies but a guarantee of the inviolability of its own territory. The so-called "First Island Chain" plays a pivotal role in this strategy.
"It is not so much about Japan itself, but about the line known as the First Island Chain. It includes Japan, Taiwan, and Borneo. That is, it comprises the group of islands located closest to China in the Pacific," Korsunsky noted.
According to the ambassador, the primary strategic goal of this defensive arc is to prevent the Chinese fleet from freely entering the Pacific Ocean to launch a potential strike against the United States.
"The idea is that as long as democratic governments remain in power on these islands and American bases are present, China's breakout into the Pacific is impossible. This refers to a massive deployment for the purpose of attacking the West Coast of the United States," the diplomat emphasized.
He explained the Pentagon's logic: "The East [Coast] has NATO and the Atlantic; everything is secure there. But regarding the West [Coast] — practically speaking, only this line of islands lies between California and China."
Sergiy Korsunsky also noted that Tokyo is not merely relying on the American "security umbrella" but is actively developing its own long-range weaponry to engage adversaries at a distance.
"The Japanese have commenced... are actually ready for the production of new types of armaments, including various missiles... The idea is to push the line of contact as far out into the ocean as possible. I heard a figure of 1,000 km," he stated.
Thus, Japan is sending a signal to its allies: "If you help us, thank you, we greatly appreciate it... But keep in mind that we are also doing a great deal to protect ourselves."