* China remains determined to claim sovereignty over international waters in the western Pacific
* Strategic importance of the U.S. alliance with Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines
* Large-deck aircraft carrier an important interment in projecting American seapower
* U.S. Navy not prepared to counter Russian maritime buildup in the eastern Mediterranean
Caption
Ceremonial soldiers parade during the 79th anniversary of the Victory Day in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2024. (Sefa Karacan via Getty Images)