Joint Force Quarterly
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive argument for why the United States must enhance its military and strategic mobility in the Western Pacific to counter the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) growing regional assertiveness. The article contends that maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific requires a whole-of-government approach to operational access, blending diplomatic outreach, economic engagement, strategic communication, and military posture. Current U.S. basing and access agreements, rooted in Cold War dynamics, no longer suffice for effective power projection in today’s contested environment. To enable integrated deterrence and flexible crisis response, the United States must expand distributed access points, deepen partnerships, and reassure allies while managing PRC perceptions to prevent strategic miscalculation. Operational access emerges not only as a military necessity but also as a tool for regional stability, democratic resilience, and long-term strategic influence across the Indo-Pacific.
Recommended Citation
Shaun F. Callahan, "Increasing Operational Access: A Strategy for the Western Pacific," Joint Force Quarterly 118 (3rd Quarter 2025), 66-74, https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol118/iss3/10.
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