Navy Times reports that “as part of the U.S. military’s shift to the Asia-Pacific region, the Navy is dispatching more ships and sailors for exercises with partner nations.”  

“There are also opportunities to work alongside the Chinese military in training and humanitarian operations. But make no mistake — China is at the heart of the new strategy, and the Middle Kingdom is pushing back. There have been high-level run-ins between the U.S. Navy and the Chinese military in recent years and experts believe these are likely to continue as the 1.3-billion strong nation builds its maritime might.”  

“Though China lacks the formidable fighting force needed to control regional waters, let alone the ability to project forces beyond, it is building military power at a remarkable pace. An annual report by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission says that by 2020 China’s navy will have 351 ships; as compared to the 275battle force ships in the U.S. fleet, as of March 6.”