Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:57:45-2:58:04

Why holding the Philippines and Singapore hurts Japan

Japan's southern advance depends on removing Allied positions that threaten the South China Sea and its strategic depth.

Japanese ExpansionPacific WarPhilippines CampaignSingapore
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What if Japan failed to take the Philippines?

Short answer

It would seriously weaken Japan's strategic position, especially if Singapore also held and the South China Sea remained contested.

Notes

Failing to take the Philippines would create major Japanese problems, especially if Singapore also remained in Allied hands. Japan would lose strategic depth and face much greater pressure around the South China Sea. Those territorial gains supplied the strategic depth needed to protect Japan's wider offensive position.