The Bashi Channel, a narrow waterway between Taiwan and the Philippines, has become the main focus of the US' military strategy to counter China's naval expansion into the Pacific Ocean and deter any possible invasion of Taiwan.
The US has been ramping up its military presence in the northern Philippines by deploying advanced anti-ship missiles on the nearby Batanes Islands and conducting joint military drills aimed at restricting Chinese naval access from the South China Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Beijing has dubbed this military build-up as provocative, highlighting the channel's role as a potential flashpoint in the escalating US–China rivalry.
The Bashi Channel is part of the US' Island Chain Strategy. The First Island Chain begins at the Japanese Archipelago, and runs through Taiwan, the Philippines, and all the way till the Malay Peninsula.
The US and allied military bases on these islands have formed a strategic barrier against the Chinese Navy.
It forms a cage, containing China's access to the open Pacific. It also serves as a key US defence line.
This waterway, along with the Miyako Strait near Japan, forms the principal entryway for the Chinese Navy into the Pacific Ocean.
Not only this, the Channel is important for other reasons as well.
Nearly all trans-Pacific movement passes through this route. Many important undersea phone and internet cables run through the Bashi Channel.
Importance of Bashi Channel
But what makes the Bashi Channel critical is the submarine warfare.
The deep waters of the channel provide an ideal environment for the submarines to pass through undetected.
Hence, the US is currently trying to secure this key waterway. It believes that his chokehold could prove decisive in support of Taiwan against the possible Chinese invasion.
There’s another reason why China is eying the Bashi Channel, instead of Miyako Strait.
This strait not only hosts U.S. airbases, but also Japanese military’s anti-ship missiles.
The heavy military presence of the US and its ally leaves China to target the Bashi Channel.
Taiwan's future at peril?
Invading Taiwan is not only about its historical claims, and economic interests. It is also strategic.
Controlling Taiwan would allow China to break out of this encirclement, project naval power into the Pacific, and threaten key shipping lanes and allies of the US in the region.
Hence, there have been enhanced Chinese naval activity, including exercises near Japan, highlighting its naval ambitions.
