Both are at loggerheads over issues from technology and human rights to Chinese military activities in the disputed South China Sea, with each accusing the other of deliberately provocative behaviour. In the latest US move against China ahead of November's presidential election, Washington on Wednesday blacklisted 24 Chinese companies and targeted individuals over construction and military actions in the busy South China Sea waterway. In Hawaii, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Beijing is using an aggressive military modernization programme in a bid to project power globally. Speaking before a regional tour, Esper described the Indo-Pacific as the epicentre of a "great power competition with China". China is not scared of "provocation and pressure" from the United States, and will resolutely defend itself and not allow the United States to cause trouble, he added.

Source: Dhaka Tribune August 27, 2020 09:22 UTC