China is intent on dominating the entire South China Sea, including sections claimed by neighboring nations like the Philippines and Vietnam. The coercion has caught the United States off guard. Using tracking systems and military installations, “China has set the stage to turn areas around its near seas … into what some are calling a ‘no-man’s land’ for U.S. naval vessels and aircraft,” writes Harry J. Kazianis, a senior fellow for defense policy at the Center for the National Interest and a senior editor at The National Interest. For now, the United States responds with freedom-of-navigation operations and its vessels sailing near disputed reefs and islets built up by China. Kazianis urges the United State and its partners throughout the region to document acts of coercion and environmental destruction, immediately releasing videos worldwide via social media. “Shamefare itself though is not a strategy,” he concludes, adding that must be combined with a revitalized combined joint warfare operational powers of the U.S. Navy and Air Force with Washington making Asia its priority foreign policy focus.

As the United States continues to struggle with adequately funding its armed forces, other nations around the world are developing impressive military capabilities.