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

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.