WHILE the United States of America under its new President Donald Trump is becoming more insular with its America First policy, China, on the other hand, has embarked on a gregarious and expansionist policy, making its economic and military presence felt around the Asian region as well as forays into Africa. Its presence is felt over land and waters.
China has staked claims over the South China Sea including the Spratly Islands, which is jointly claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. China has built military installations on some of these disputed islands, such as an airfield on Fiery Cross Reef and undertaken land reclamation on others. It has deployed its formidable naval ships in these areas making port visits in certain Southeast Asian countries.