As the world fixates on the South China Sea, Chinese describe Taiwan as the regional key.

IN various war games conducted by defense think tanks, including those based in the United States, the Philippines emerges as a pivotal player in scenarios centered on the First Island Chain.

The deployment of the carrier might explain the increase in Chinese military aircraft activity in airspace south of Taiwan since Sunday.

Prioritizing the Indo-Pacific requires downgrading European commitments, leveraging alliances like Japan and Taiwan, and strengthening the first island chain’s defenses to thwart Chinese ambitions.