A narrow Pacific waterway is central to U.S. efforts aimed at countering the growing capabilities of China’s navy. As tensions escalate, the U.S. plans to demonstrate military strength in the South China Sea coinciding with a significant meeting between Trump and Xi. Analysts caution that America’s focus on militarization in the Asia-Pacific could have far-reaching implications, with the Philippines being a key player in the ongoing rivalry. The strategic importance of locations like Batanes is increasingly highlighted, while debates continue on whether the U.S. should shift its focus towards Asia.