The US is the world's sole remaining military superpower, spending more on defense spending than the next 10-11 military powers combined and with the capability to project power to the furthest reaches of the globe and to sustain two conventional wars at the same time. China is building an economic trading empire and is the leading source of foreign direct investment in the economies of the South. China is attempting to claim the South China Sea as an exclusive economic zone for itself and is in dispute with seven neighbors over this body of water. The South Sea is the principal area of maritime navigation that connects S. Korea, Japan, and the Philippines with the Middle East, South Asia, and Australia. The US and it allies seek to maintain the South China Sea open for international transit. China seeks to deliver the ability to deny access to this area.

Would take a stance to be Anti-Free Trade, Pro Tariff War with China