Did Trump’s Team Just Threaten War With China?

Michael Fuchs explains why Rex Tillerson's comments during his confirmation hearing for secretary of state could present serious foreign policy consequences.

The incoming Trump administration just drew a red line in the South China Sea that it cannot enforce without going to war with China.

When questioned on the Trump administration’s stance on the South China Sea during his confirmation hearing, Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson said that, “We’re going to have to send China a signal that… your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed.” The only way to block China’s access to the islands it occupies in the South China Sea would be to enact a naval blockade, which is an act of war.

The above excerpt was originally published in Defense One. Click here to view the full article.

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. A full list of supporters is available here. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.