President Xi Jinping is increasing China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region by challenging US allies on sensitive matters while Donald Trump focuses on other issues. China has escalated its efforts to project power in the area through various actions like conducting shooting drills off Australia's coast and sending "grey zone" balloons around Taiwan. Beijing has also pressured Thailand on human rights and warned Tokyo about collaborating with Taiwan separatists.

Concerns have risen about the US being a reliable security partner in Asia due to Trump's pro-Russia stance, doubts about NATO, and trade tariffs impacting friendly nations. China is taking advantage of this situation to weaken US partnerships in the region, especially as it faces economic challenges from increased tariffs imposed by Trump. Chinese officials are strategically avoiding actions that could provoke US retaliation, such as refraining from major drills near Taiwan while ramping up verbal warnings.

Bill Hayton, an associate fellow at Chatham House, highlights China's assertive behavior to test the limits of its influence. China's actions aim to deter countries from aligning with the US on key issues like territorial disputes and ethnic control within its borders.

As Trump's tariffs are set to escalate, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is visiting US allies in the region to reassure continued US support while also emphasizing the need for increased defense spending by Asian partners.