Maritime Transparency Initiative

Air Warfare

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184) (center), accompanied by JMSDF escorts, and U.S. Navy Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) (right) forces sail together in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 20, 2025 in support of Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 25. ANNUALEX is a multilateral exercise that enhances the Japan and U.S. alliance, strengthens naval interoperability and demonstrates a joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class R. Ezekiel Duran)

As China pushes out from the First Island Chain, US allies like Japan and the Philippines surveil from nearby

Industrial imbalance grows in the Indo-Pacific as China outbuilds the region in ships and rockets.

By Barry Rosenberg

Air Warfare

The role of Japan and the Philippines in resisting a Chinese blockade of Taiwan

Strategic geography, resupply corridors, and maritime access underscore Manila and Tokyo’s ability to assist Taiwan.

By Barry Rosenberg

Naval Warfare, Air Warfare

An MV-22 Osprey attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced) launches from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in 2014. Makin Island, the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is on a deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Lindahl)

Changing strategic environment and Chinese power is rearranging relationships in Asia

Nations such as the Philippines and Taiwan are building new ties as part of a regional military rebalancing.

By Barry Rosenberg