a rising power of the People's Republic will inevitably get in the way and indefiance.  I trully beleive the confrontation will happen in a not distant future. I doubt the United States would give up its hedgemony without a fight. Just take a look at its military budget and it's in 100s of billions of dollars.  Presently, the US already starts an unnecessary trade war with China-next would be more weapons sale to Taiwan and the Philppines. Rising nationalism in China is also fearsome especially in regards to Taiwan independence. President Xi Jinping might want Taiwan issue be solved under his administraion. He was chosen to stay in power could very well be for this task.  Now with pervasive claims around the South China Sea by the People's Republic will give the US an execuse to somewhat provoke China into actions. If China wins, the US has to retreat for good, but if China losses, Taiwan might become an indepent country.  I might have no job.