The Sino-American relationship does have some similarities to the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union—but also many differences.

A new Pentagon report on Beijing’s aggressive play for territory suggests that China sees the U.S. as unable or unwilling to do anything more than gesture at trying to stop its expansion.

In Washington, there’s strong support for America’s firm new stance against China’s attempt to redraw the lines in the South China Sea.

New Secretary of Defense Ash Carter reaffirms that the U.S. commitment to Asia is a top priority, even though the trouble in the Middle East and Europe often gets more attention.