The “Japanese Times” reported in late April that the US military commander stationed in South Korea proposed the integration of military forces from South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and other countries to establish a regional kill chain network in the Indo-Pacific region. Experts point out that a kill chain is a collective defense mechanism, and establishing a kill chain network would significantly enhance the deterrence capability of the entire region, causing headaches for the Chinese Communist Party.
Former Taiwanese Ministry of Defense official Hu Zhendong explained in an interview with NTD Television on May 14th that the kill chain is essentially a concept of collective defense, transformed into a system that integrates the defense forces of US allies in Asia, such as South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, as well as Australia and New Zealand. This integration involves connecting defense forces across land, sea, air, space, cyber, and electromagnetic domains, coordinating military responses using various methods.
The kill chain network evolved from the kill chain, expanding into a networked kill structure where multiple kill chains are interconnected. Hu Zhendong further elaborated that the kill network aids individual kill chains by providing essential information such as enemy locations, anticipated movements, and angles of attack across different domains. When the kill network links Japan, the Philippines, the US military, and Australia, each ally is informed of the others’ assets and locations, enabling coordinated action. This structured approach supports multiple kill chains simultaneously, maximizing efficiency and achieving synergistic effects, thereby bolstering deterrence without inefficiency.
According to Hu Zhendong, the kill network enables pooling of capabilities, fostering regional partners’ cooperative efforts to collectively defend against threats from countries like China, North Korea, or Russia. Working together as a unified entity, partners need not face threats independently but combine efforts to form a joint defense network.
Hu noted that during the recent joint military exercises in the Philippines, the Indo-Pacific Command effectively utilized this system, demonstrating success in its implementation. The Indo-Pacific Task Network essentially functions as a kill network, akin to a nervous system where the strengths and weaknesses of each country are factored in, allowing for complementarity in capabilities. In the face of shared threats, this cooperative system enables synchronized responses, embodying true allied and joint operations.
On the final day of the joint exercises, the Indo-Pacific Command praised the successful operation of the Indo-Pacific Task Network. Hu Zhendong emphasized that these actions serve as a warning to China, showcasing the effectiveness of cooperation and deterrence. Awareness of such a system could dissuade China from hostile actions.
He continued by asserting that standing together as an alliance enhances regional deterrence, causing significant concerns for China. Despite China’s individual strength, the collective combined force of multiple Asian countries poses a formidable challenge. Hu Zhendong highlighted that China recognizes this threat and is attempting to weaken the network through infiltration, bribery, and division tactics. Taiwan must strengthen itself to prevent becoming a potential vulnerability within the system.
He further pointed out that an Asian version of NATO has effectively materialized, matching NATO’s operational standards. Collaboration in joint exercises includes significant troop contributions from Japan, the US, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, among others, mirroring NATO’s structure. This multi-domain Indo-Pacific Task Network surpasses NATO’s capabilities, achieving a comprehensive defense framework.
In conclusion, this emerging coalition presents a robust defense mechanism against shared threats in the region, significantly enhancing regional security and deterring hostile actions from potential adversaries like China.