The US is far behind other countries like China when it comes to the race for critical minerals lying beneath international waters. By joining the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Washington can shape the rules for seabed mineral exploration.
American officials participated in the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao amid the resumption of military talks between the US and China. Geopolitical rivalry overshadows bilateral cooperation but managing differences and fostering trust are key to advancing maritime security
That Washington can count on its allies in case of a war over Taiwan is a best-case scenario – and more likely, wishful thinking. For Washington, the biggest strategic ambiguity is whether a stronger China will become more confident about peaceful reunification or more impatient and resort to force.