China’s expansionist actions in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region is also giving rise to a “concerted pushback” from many nations. China’s Belt and Road Initiative gave it an opportunity to expand its economic and geopolitical presence, and enhance its global connectivity. Even with the Philippines, China could have leveraged its economic power instead of resorting to provocative moves such as occupying OUR Scarborough Shoal.

Romualdez, B. (2020, July 26). Deteriorating US-China relations: How did it come to this?. The Philippine Star, p. 4.