With ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, the United States...

With ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, the United States has given one of its key allies an ultimatum. As Beijing’s influence grows in the Pacific, Washington has gone to extremes to prevent its own decline. In addition to pressuring regional allies to act more aggressively, the Pentagon has conducted its own provocations, performing "freedom of navigation" exercises through Chinese waters. © REUTERS/ KYODO Kerry Urges China, Philippines to Abide by Int'l Court Ruling on S China Sea Now the US expects Australia to choose between Washington and Beijing. "I think the Australians need to make a choice…it’s very difficult to walk this fine line between balancing the alliance with the United States and the economic engagement with China," said US Army Assistant Chief of Staff Colonel Tom Hanson, according to Asia Times.

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