Donald Trump is starting to backtrack on his tough talk over China

As China continues to expand its sphere of influence, Brahma Chellaney looks at the steps the US can take to demonstrate its concerns.

Over the last eight years, as China’s posturing in Asia became increasingly aggressive, many criticised US president Barack Obama for failing to stand up to the Asian giant.

It was on Mr Obama’s watch, after all, that China captured the disputed Scarborough Shoal from the Philippines and built seven artificial islands in the South China Sea, on which it then deployed heavy weapons.