The South China Sea is one of the most contested regions in the world, with overlapping territorial claims by multiple countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. Flying the twin-engine bombers out of Woody Island would mean the entirety of Southeast Asia is within combat flight range, experts say. And in mid-April, China conducted its largest-ever naval parade in the South China Sea, which came after the aircraft carrier Liaoning led a flotilla of 48 naval vessels plus 76 fighter jets in two-days of combat drills. But experts, and one key US military commander, say China has put itself in a very strong position in the South China Sea. Exercises around the South China Sea islands are "small steps that incrementally change the status quo in China's favor without provoking a military response from the United States," said Glaser.

Source: CNN May 20, 2018 20:48 UTC