China's regional power
As the largest and most powerful country in East Asia, China has considerable and growing influence. Some commentators argue that one long-term aim of the Chinese government is to have China displace the US as the most influential country in the area.
In recent years, China has adopted a more assertive foreign policy. This has resulted in tensions with many of its neighbours – including renewed territorial disputes with Japan, South Korea and Vietnam in the South China Sea.
Defence
China is an established military power. It is a nuclear power, has the world's largest army (over 2 million personnel) and is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
China is also keen on space exploration and in 2022 launched a research lab space station to carry out biological and life science research. (Source: BBC News)
The US has military bases in the Pacific island nations. In 2022, China made a security agreement with the Solomon Islands creating concerns that China may want to create a military base there. In turn, the US increased its diplomatic and aid efforts across the Pacific islands.
As well as growing it’s army, China has exported weapons and military drones globally and despite strain in their relationships, China, Japan and South Korea have taken part in annual tripartite talks and expanded trade agreements.
