A long-term geopolitical goal of the PRC is to challenge the hegemony of the US blue-water navy over the oceans, or at least of the immediate surroundings of Ea

A long-term geopolitical goal of the PRC is to challenge the hegemony of the US blue-water navy over the oceans, or at least of the immediate surroundings of East Asia. Having US-friendly regimes on Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan would make it difficult for the Chinese Navy to operate outside of that island chain in a conflict.