🌐China's aim is to dominate the first island chain by 2030, extending its military presence and control over the area.
⚔️The US aims to maintain freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and opposes China's territorial claims.
🔒China's militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea poses a threat to US naval power in the region.
🌍An armed conflict between the US and China could have global implications, as the two powers vie for dominance.
🚀Advancements in hypersonic weaponry and fifth-generation jets could change the balance of power in the next decade.