US-CHINA GEOPOLITICAL RIVALRY DRIVES ASIA-PACIFIC SECURITY IN 2026

In 2026, Washington and Beijing intensify competition across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in maritime routes and strategic islands. The rivalry centers on control of the South China Sea, Taiwan, and key archipelagos like Spratly and Paracel, while instability persists on the Korean Peninsula. China strengthens its military capabilities near Korea and the South China Sea, conducting exercises such as Justice Mission 2025 and Peace and Friendship-2025. Despite economic interdependence among China, Japan, and South Korea, major power competition creates a dense and potentially unstable geopolitical environment.