US-CHINA RIVALRY SHAPES ASIA-PACIFIC SECURITY

The dominant Asia-Pacific story is intensifying US-China competition across trade, technology, and regional security. Maritime chokepoints, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Korea remain central flashpoints as both powers seek to secure supply lines and strategic influence. At the same time, Asia’s trade patterns are shifting as firms diversify supply chains toward ASEAN, Taiwan, and other regional partners, especially for AI-related goods and advanced manufacturing. Middle powers such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are strengthening practical co-operation to reduce coercion and preserve stability in an increasingly fragmented regional order.