A combined Army-Navy opening against the Philippines required a large concentration that might appear difficult to hide. Assembling around Taiwan still offered plausible cover because observers could read the movement as support for operations in China or reinforcement of Indochina. Japanese carriers had already supported the war in China, making their presence less automatically alarming. A Singapore strike had a more difficult approach through watched waters, and the British were already alert to danger. Even so, the base's limited protection meant a concentrated carrier force could inflict severe damage and support a subsequent move toward Brunei's oil.
Notable Point · 41:20-43:50
Mobilisation cover for the Philippines and Singapore options
Taiwan offered plausible cover for a Philippine assault concentration, whereas a Singapore strike faced a more observable approach but sparse defences.