Shikoku Basin: The Quiet Flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific

The Shikoku Basin is rapidly emerging as one of the Indo-Pacific’s most underestimated strategic theatres. Situated at the intersection of Japan’s EEZ, critical sea lanes, and competing island chains, this maritime zone is no longer a passive geographic feature—it is becoming a pressure point in intensifying great-power rivalry.

This Global Eye Intelligence report delivers a focused strategic assessment of the Shikoku Basin’s geopolitical importance, unpacking Japan’s sovereignty claims, the legal and strategic significance of Okinotorishima, and China’s expanding grey-zone activities—from oceanographic surveys to buoy deployments and maritime intrusions. The analysis situates the basin within the broader US-China rivalry, highlighting its role as a potential transit corridor for Chinese naval assets and a choke point for Japan’s energy security and supply chains.

Going beyond surface narratives, the report evaluates maritime law implications, UNCLOS interpretations, alliance dynamics involving the US and regional partners, and future conflict scenarios in the Pacific. For policymakers, defence planners, maritime security analysts, and investors tracking Indo-Pacific risk, this brief provides critical foresight into a zone that could shape tomorrow’s naval balance.

Strategic flashpoints rarely erupt where everyone is looking. Those tracking the Shikoku Basin early will understand the next Indo-Pacific crisis before it unfolds. Follow Global Eye Intelligence to stay ahead of emerging maritime and geopolitical fault lines.