That doesn't sound right. IIRC, the US and the rest of the world view the South China sea as international waters, while China makes that claim that it's its sovereign territory (against all international custom).
> the US holding the first island chain
Come on, the US doesn't hold Japan. They're allies.
> Without a foothold in the South China Sea
China already has a foothold in the South China Sea: it's coast, Hainan, etc.
> the US holding the first island chain
Come on, the US doesn't hold Japan. They're allies.
> Without a foothold in the South China Sea
China already has a foothold in the South China Sea: it's coast, Hainan, etc.