Part 10/14:
The South China Sea remains a litmus test of China's commitment to its proclaimed principles. Despite claims of respect for sovereignty, China’s militarization and artificial island-building challenge regional stability. Some experts argue that its actions violate the spirit of mutual respect and restraint, fueling regional mistrust.
Similarly, the Taiwan issue looms large. Xi Jinping’s repeated assertions that reunification by force is an option make many in the region wary. The presence of U.S. military support for Taiwan complicates China’s peace ambitions further, raising fears of escalation.