The Geopolitical Importance of the Western Pacific

The Western Pacific, which includes the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait, is a region at the center of the world's geopolitical tensions. It holds great significance due to its role as a major trade route, with around a third of maritime trade passing through the South China Sea alone. This area is crucial for the economies of China, Japan, the UK, India, and other nations. Control over this region has become a primary objective for the United States, as it seeks to prevent China from establishing hegemony over Asia.