China has repeatedly taken actions that escalate conflicts with neighboring countries. The Chinese Navy conducted live-fire drills within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone near Okinotorishima Island. In the South China Sea, incidents occurred where Chinese Coast Guard personnel, armed with batons, assaulted Philippine Navy personnel, and Chinese Coast Guard vessels fired water cannons at Philippine government ships. Countries outside the immediate disputes have also condemned these actions by China. On the margins of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, foreign ministers from ASEAN and various nations gathered in Manila to hold a range of discussions, but the gap in positions between China and these countries remains wide.

Under these circumstances, the United States is advancing initiatives related to maritime security. It has deployed naval vessels to Southeast Asia and started constructing a type of transport ship it had not possessed for many years.

Additionally, the U.S. is making progress on efforts regarding the Northern Sea Route. While the U.S. has historically lagged behind Russia in Arctic development, it has begun procuring new icebreakers and strengthening coastal surveillance in the Arctic region. Regarding this route, China is also advancing its utilization of the Northern Sea Route, having announced the launch of its first regular maritime transport service using the Arctic route. Russia is also constructing new icebreakers, aiming for year-round utilization of the Northern Sea Route.