* There is political and economic benefits to projecting American power in Asia and the Pacific and protecting American hegemony.
* China has had recent border clashes with many of its neighbors, including India, and the Philippines.
* China continues to build its man-made islands despite it being deemed illegal, an violating its neighbor's sovereignty and international law.
* Not to mention the numerous human rights violations China commits against its minority citizens and the people of Tibet.
Now, imagine an unchallenged China, potentially subjugating its neighbors by force, including India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
Other regional powers, such as Australia, have taken notice of Chinese ambitions and are taking steps to protect themselves. Arguable, a threatening China is an opportunity for America to strength ties and increase its power in the region.