In the run-up to U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration, advocates of a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy toward China unleashed a barrage of hawkish commentaries and proposals. Much commentary focused on Beijing's behavior in the South China Sea. What are the likely effects on U.S.-China ties?
This deluge was stimulated by statements by Trump and his nominees for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson and secretary of defense, James Mattis. Trump's actions and words questioned the U.S.-China fundamental agreement on a "One-China" policy. Tillerson declared that China's access to the South China Sea features it has built upon will not be "allowed". Mattis opined that China's behavior in the South China Sea was part of "a mounting assault on global stability" In his view China is challenging the U.S.-built and maintained regional order.
Meanwhile former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, once considered by Trump for secretary of state and perhaps still a Trump adviser, suggested that the U.S. marines stationed in Okinawa be transferred to Taiwan to "enhance the U.S.' East Asia military posture".