China’s Evolving Risk Tolerance and Gray-Zone Operations: From the

As the China–Russia strategic partnership— which conducted a joint exercise in the South China Sea in July—continues to evolve, it is clear that China still has options to pursue in this decisive theater.29 China’s pattern of behavior from the East to South China Seas and imminently in the South and Central Pacific indicates a clear strategy of graduated maritime assertiveness. [...] Also frustrating to Beijing is the fact that two COFA states, Palau and the Marshall Islands, recognize Taiwan diplomatically.42 Washington should take account of such facts as it wages the New Cold War with the CCP.43 China’s pattern of behavior from the East to South China Seas and imminently in the South and Central Pacific indicates a clear strategy of graduated maritime assertiveness. [...] The developments in the Solomon Islands, alongside the challenges posed by illegal activities and economic coercion in other parts of the Pacific, underscore the complexities and high stakes involved in maintaining bal- ance and ensuring security across the Indo–Pacific. [...] Attracting more fishing and maritime activity (Naval and Coast Guard) to the island will create more economic opportunities for an economy that is closely tied to the ocean.55 Such an effort could reverse the impact of the 2016 closure of tuna-canning facilities that were the leading employer on the island.56 The example of American Samoa is naval statecraft in action and could be replicated in is. [...] Sadler, “Maritime Security in the Indo–Pacific and the UN Convention for the Law of the Sea,” testimony before the U.