A Chinese navy aircraft carrier has breached a second Pacific island defense line that is intended to keep the East Asian power's forces at a distance.

Newsweek has emailed the Pentagon and the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The United States has established three island chains across the Pacific Ocean. The first, closest to China, is formed by three U.S. allies and partners—Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The second, centered on Guam—America's westernmost territory—stretches from Japan to New Guinea, just north of Australia. The last one links Alaska's Aleutian Islands with New Zealand via Hawaii.

While the U.S. maritime containment strategy aims to restrict China's naval access to the broader Pacific Ocean during wartime, the Chinese navy—the largest i

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