The new administration of US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday the United States would prevent China from taking over territory in international waters in the South China Sea, something Chinese state media has warned would require Washington to "wage war." The comments at a briefing from White House spokesman Sean Spicer signaled a sharp departure from years of cautious US handling of China's assertive pursuit of territorial claims in Asia, just days after Trump took office on Friday. Military experts said that while the US Navy has extensive capabilities in Asia to stage blockading operations with ships, submarines and planes, any such move against China's growing naval fleets would risk a dangerous escalation.

US vows to stop China from taking disputed isles. (2017, January 25). Philippines Star, pp. 1, 8.