The challenge mounted this week by the US navy to China’s maritimeexpansion in the South China Sea highlights the confrontation in east Asia between the world’s two major powers in one of the more important, but least noticed, global flashpoints. Neither side wants an outright conflict. But neither will give way. With an ongoing tussle between China and Japan to the north and the conundrum of North Korea, this points to continuing tension in a region which is vital for global economic growth. Read more
