One instance in which heightened regional tensions are especially evident is with the increasingly frequent spats over energy reserves in the South China Sea , an area recognized by the Philippines as the `` West Philippine Sea '' and by Vietnam as the `` East Sea . '' U.S. is rightly focusing on Asia but it must recognize the risks , says Hu Jintao . He says Southeast Asian nations fear China 's power but appreciate its investments . China is seen by these countries as a security counterweight to U.S. , he says . Billo : U.S. must guard against risk of an incident being escalated into war .
U.S. is rightly focusing on Asia but it must recognize the risks , says Hu Jintao . He says Southeast Asian nations fear China 's power but appreciate its investments . China is seen by these countries as a security counterweight to U.S. , he says . Billo : U.S. must guard against risk of an incident being escalated into war .