10/5/2019 Island Chain Strategy - Wikipedia

Island Chain Strategy

The Island Chain Strategy is a strategy first mentioned by American
foreign policy commentator John Foster Dulles in 1951 during the Korean
War. It suggests surrounding the Soviet Union and China by sea.[1] The
island chain concept did not become a major theme in American policy,
however it has become a major fixation of Chinese analysts to this day. The
concept heightens Chinese fears that they will be encircled by American
forces, and emphasizes the geographical and strategic importance of
Taiwan. It helps shape Chinese naval options and strategies, as well as
playing a role in economic policy.[2]

Within Chinese writings the Island Chain Strategy is divided into 3 parts,
namely First Island Chain, the Second Island Chain and the Third Island First and Second island chains
Chain.

Contents
First Island Chain
Second Island Chain
Third Island Chain
Target and events
References

First Island Chain

The definition The First Island Chain begins at the Kuril Islands, and finishes towards Borneo and the northern
portion of the Philippines. It is the first chain to block socialist countries aligned with the USSR, and after Soviet
Russia is dealt with the chain would then turn its focus on China. The key part of the first chain would be Taiwan.

Because the island chain is built up of a series of landmasses, it is also called the "unsinkable aircraft carrier",
especially in reference to Taiwan.

Second Island Chain

The Second Island Chain can refer to two different interpretations, but the version most commonly used refers to the
island chain which is formed by the Ogasawara Islands and Volcano Islands of Japan, in addition to Mariana Islands
which is United States territory.

As it is located within the middle portion of the Pacific Ocean, it acts as a second strategic defense line for the United
States.

Third Island Chain

The Third Island Chain is the final part of the strategy. Its island chain begins at the Aleutian Islands, and finishes up
in Oceania. The key part of the Third Island Chain would be the Hawaiian Islands of the United States.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_Chain_Strategy 1/2
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Target and events

The primary target of the doctrine was the USSR; however, additional targets also included the People's Republic of
China and Vietnam. After the USSR collapsed in 1991, China soon became the major target of the doctrine.

References
1. Hiroyuki Umetsu, "Communist China’s entry into the Korean hostilities and a US proposal for a collective security
arrangement in the Pacific offshore island chain." Journal of Northeast Asian Studies (1996) 15#2 pp: 98–118.
2. Toshi Yoshihara, "China's Vision of Its Seascape: The First Island Chain and Chinese Seapower." Asian Politics &
Policy (2012) 4#3 pp. 293–314. DOI: 10.1111/j.1943-0787.2012.01349.x

岛链”战略意义有限 分析称锁不住中国(1) (http://military.china.com/important/11132797/20131129/18185594.html)

“
美学者著书论述:岛链战略下的中国海军(组图) 新浪军事 新浪⽹ (http://mil.news.sina.com.cn/2004-09-30/11222320
09.html)

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