China's claim of sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and West Pacific Ocean results in frequent PLA incursions into the Taiwan Strait and harassment of those who entered its claimed territories. The West stood against China's territorial claim based on legal arguments and security interests, but China did not acknowledge them. On a larger picture, China's increasing assertiveness reveals an ulterior motive to challenge the West's military commitments and cause a rift among the US and its partners, which is considered a pre-emptive strategy. China's strategy consists of the following: surprise attack, a heavy blow to its opponent, preparing to accept significant losses from its action, and securing strategic objective of deterrence.  

First, China will attack US allies to put the US into a dilemma since the US is not under a direct attack. Then, China will lure its opponent into a playground favoring China and use minimal but fatal sneak attacks, especially in a place without the presence of US carriers. Finally, China will try to change the narrative and reduce tensions through disinformation and diplomacy but will not budge from its assertions. In short, China will warn its opponents adequately before attacking them swiftly and will not deescalate the conflict before its foes. China's delicate strategy means the West cannot react meaningfully, and the US cannot counter effectively. The US will also find it hard to justify its military response against Chinese aggression, resulting in the West being more careful when asserting its freedom of navigation.