U.S.-CHINA RIVALRY DOMINATES ASIA-PACIFIC

The most important Asia-Pacific story is the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, which is shaping regional security, trade routes, and economic governance across the region. Control of key maritime chokepoints and sea lanes, including the South China Sea and the Malacca and Luzon straits, remains central to the strategic competition. Regional flashpoints such as Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, and disputed islands continue to drive military modernization, alliances, and crisis risk. At the same time, tighter trade and investment barriers are increasing pressure on supply chains and making the region more vulnerable even as economic interdependence remains a stabilizing force.