The US versus China:
Who shall have dominance in the Pacific Ocean?

Christopher Wade
HIS220
March 5th, 2016
Will Palmer

The United States versus China: Who shall have dominance in the Pacific Ocean? In the twenty-first century, there has been an escalation of naval supremacy in the Pacific Ocean. World War Two had been a proving ground for American maritime dominance. The United States Navy has reigned in the Asia-Pacific waters since the dropping of the H-Bomb on Hiroshima. Yet, the proud nation of China is ready to show that they are ready to see who has the true right to rule. The escalating conflict between China and Japan influenced U.S. relations with both nations. From the onset American officials viewed China with equivocation. They opposed Japan’s incursions into northeast China because of their longstanding friendship with the Chinese. Yet, some still believed that there was no vital interest worth going to war with Japan over. Moreover, the civil war in China left policymakers uncertain of which side to lend support to. (Japan, China, the United States and the Road to Pearl Harbor, 1937–41)
. On July 7th, 1937 when Chinese and Japanese forces clashed on the Marco Polo Bridge near Beijing, throwing the two nations into a full-scale war, the likelihood of U.S. aid was increased. Tensions rose when the U.S.S Panay was bombed and three Americans were killed. The conflict was avoided because the government accepted Japan’s apology and indemnity. (Japan, China, the United States and the Road to Pearl Harbor, 1937–41) In 1940, President Roosevelt formalized aid to China by extending credits for the purchase of war supplies and at the same time tightening restrictions on Japan. America was the main supplier of many commodities needed by the Japan. In 1940, the existing treaty of commerce was rescinded; although it did not lead to an embargo