Philippines asking for US military presence in South China Sea - DW News

[TexasTowelie]

2. I think that China also has its eyes set oh Myanmar for its strategic value.

Having access to ports along the Indian Ocean would alleviate the concerns China has about a possible blockade of the Strait of Malacca. Chinese ships have also stepped up activity in the Indian Ocean.

It's difficult to ignore Xi's ambitions--his attempt to achieve Chinese superpower status initially were peaceful with the BRI, but as the financial losses pile up with the program Xi has decided that a posture of military aggressiveness is a more expedient method to achieve his goals.