Why the South China Sea is a time bomb It’s where a US-China conflict could really begin The South China Sea is a geopolitical chessboard where world powers are making bold moves and smaller nations are navigating a complex web of rivalries. Each disputed island, shipping route, and military base tells a story of power, resource control, and influence. And confrontations are becoming more frequently. From China’s assertive push to expand its maritime boundaries, to the U.S. maintaining its naval presence, to smaller countries like Vietnam and the Philippines maneuvering to protect their own interests, we’ll break down the regional dynamics piece-by-piece together with @johnnyharris.