The Japanese tried to use Rabaul and Truk as bases too....but we see how that worked out for them in the pre-Nuke world.
The problem with island bases is they cannot maneuver and can be isolated and by passed.
You reckon the Chinese Navy can hide their surface vessels?
Between the US Submarine force and the USAF B-2 bomber force....an island might be hard to keep in operation to sustain offensive operations.
Unless and until the Chinese can achieve Air and Sea Supremacy over Allied forces....they are on the losing end of the equation.
https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/pu...s-us-responses