Commentary
On May 1, 2023, the United States issued a warning to China regarding their “harassment and intimidation” of Philippine vessels, in the South China Sea. The move comes less than two weeks after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that U.S. foreign policy relating to China will prioritize national security over trade. Yellen stated the United States would make decisions to ensure the national security of the United States and its allies, even if those actions have a negative economic impact.
She stressed that the United States welcomes cooperation and competition from China that would help both countries develop. However, she recognized that the United States and the world will only benefit from “a growing China that plays by international rules.” An expansionist China making its own rules is not beneficial to the world community….