South China Sea emerges as critical flashpoint in U.S.-China rivalry

Race for influence in key waterway leads to discord at ASEAN meeting

20240801N South China Sea

China Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons toward a Philippine ship on May 4. China and the Philippines have seen an uptick in maritime clashes since last year. © Reuters

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- Sparks flew at the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Laos in late July as the U.S. and China clashed over Beijing's movements in the South China Sea.

China has expanded its clout in the waters since 2013, establishing multiple military facilities. While the U.S. expressed concern at the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned ASEAN counterparts against allowing the U.S. to get involved.

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