Originally published by Asia Times.
A recent report put out by a relatively obscure Washington think tank, Defense Priorities , is getting an unusual amount of attention. In simple terms, the report written by the shop’s military analysis director Jennifer Kavanagh and entitled “A Second Island Chain Strategy for Asia” looks at current US security policy in the Asia-Pacific region and calls for doing the opposite. DC think tanks put out reports all the time. Very few get the amplification seen with this one. With all of the attention, it has triggered deep confusion – and, in some cases, concern – across the region. So, it’s worth answering some of the questions the report has raised and see if its assertions stand up to scrutiny. The report says that…Open
What historical comment did a Chinese officer make to Admiral Timothy Keating regarding territory?
In 2008, a Chinese officer told Admiral Timothy Keating (the former US PACOM commander), “why don’t we reach an agreement, you and I? You take Hawaii east. We’ll take Hawaii west.”
Q&A ID a83f27fb-051a-47e5-acae-7fe120eff7bb
According to the article, how might the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) react to a US pullback to the Second Island Chain and an end to defense commitments for Taiwan?
The report suggests PLA planners would view such a move as a "wishlist." The expected reaction would include full-bore Chinese political warfare to spread the idea that the US is unreliable, in retreat, and leaving Asia-Pacific nations on their own to encourage submission, alongside increased presence and dominance by the PLA navy and air force, including potential violence and kinetic moves.
Q&A ID cd52e545-760f-45f1-979b-629f47bf83ac
What specific strategic changes does the Defense Priorities report propose regarding US presence in the Asia-Pacific?
The report proposes moving US troops from the first island chain to the second island chain, ending strategic ambiguity regarding defense commitments to Taiwan, and effectively declaring a “non-intervention policy” regarding Taiwan.
Q&A ID 137748eb-d600-4519-b6bb-17f55ca32a05
Who authored the Defense Priorities report titled “A Second Island Chain Strategy for Asia”?
The report was written by Jennifer Kavanagh, who serves as the military analysis director for the Defense Priorities think tank.
Q&A ID a96940a2-a8ee-4d5d-aa97-4c5bb43c5e6a
What is the title and primary focus of the report published by the Washington think tank Defense Priorities?
The report is entitled “A Second Island Chain Strategy for Asia” and it examines current US security policy in the Asia-Pacific region, ultimately calling for the opposite of current policies.
Q&A ID 24998844-d5c8-48e2-acfb-21d93e8a8eaa
How might the People's Liberation Army (PLA) react to the Defense Priorities proposal of pulling back to the Second Island Chain?
For PLA planners, the proposal is described as a "wishlist." The reaction could include full-bore Chinese political warfare to spread the idea that Americans are unreliable and in retreat, leaving Asia-Pacific nations to submit to China. Additionally, the PLA navy and air force might assert dominance through increased presence and potential kinetic moves or violence.
Q&A ID d6790f86-2edc-42ba-a473-ff47d15bef07
Who is the military analysis director at the Washington think tank Defense Priorities that wrote the report titled “A Second Island Chain Strategy for Asia”?
Jennifer Kavanagh is the military analysis director at Defense Priorities who wrote the report.
Q&A ID 6a7b0b8a-ff1b-4f43-942b-de9ad600a72e