OPINION (Daily Star) – Richard Heydarian, a foreign affairs expert, warned growing tensions between the US and China could set the world “on course for the moment of truth”. The two superpowers are at loggerheads over Beijing’s increasing militarisation of the South China Sea. Chinese officials have ordered the building of artificial islands and reefs, something the US believes is designed to undercut its naval operations in the region. Manilla-based Mr Heydarian, said:
“The South China Sea disputes are fast approaching a moment of truth as Washington embraces a full-spectrum strategy to challenge China’s expanding footprint in the area. “In particular, the US Navy is stepping up its freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) and now only challenging China’s so-called grey zone activities in the disputed region. “If left unchecked, the intensified game of chicken between the two superpowers could very well ignite the next global conflict. READ MORE
