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As political rhetoric escalated and tensions between the two countries spiralled, not least of all in the South China Sea, the young mayor found herself in the crosshairs of espionage accusations.

India is negotiating sales of supersonic missiles to Southeast Asian states that could be used to deter Chinese provocations in the South China Sea.

The U.S. now conducts $160 billion in annual commerce with Vietnam, which has also become a key partner against China’s growing influence in the South China Sea.

Department of Defense and its development work centers on places like the South China Sea that are critical to national security, priorities that align with Trump’s administration, Batrack said.

Indeed, many have pointed out that Australia and its allies often sail warships through the South China Sea.