An unnamed senior U.S. defense official reportedly said China appears to be backing away from its descriptions of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. However, China is expected to build 30 vessels during the next five years for marine law enforcement. A softening of language or other gestures are tactical adjustments for a near-term benefit, but signify no substantive change. China is on a path to assert and demonstrate its dominance in Asia, evidenced by ambitious naval construction, expanding naval operational areas and expansion of the law enforcement fleet. This is a strategic warning that maritime confrontations will increase in both volume and frequency.

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