Why the Philippines Is Considered the Weakest Link in the U.S. First Island Chain Policy “What happens when the key gatekeeper in the Pacific can’t keep the gate?” That question haunts U.S. strategic planners as they map the First Island Chain, a critical arc of islands and maritime chokepoints stretching from Japan, through Taiwan and … Continue reading Why the Philippines Is Considered the Weakest Link in the U.S. First Island Chain Policy