The U.S. risks going to war with China. Chinese state media says that if the U.S. tries to blockade islands in the South China Sea, there will be a potential war. They also add that if the statements become policy when Trump takes office “the two sides had better prepare for a military clash.” Trump’s nominee for secretary of state,stated that access to the fortifications and artificial islands in the South China Sea will not be allowed.  

China has claimed nearly the entire area in the South China sea, China also has rival claims by five southeast Asian neighbors and Taiwan. Rex Tillerson, Trump’s secretary of state nominee, stated that blocked access could only be done with a significant show of military force. There are signs that show that Trump agrees with Tillerson, and he may take it into office.

Trump made similar comments in December at an interview with Fox news. In the comments he accused Beijing of “Building a massive fortress in the middle of the South China Sea. Peter Navarro, who was been hostile to China, encourages Trump to pursue a “peace through strength” on the region.