SOUTHEAST ASIA

30% of global maritime trade runs through South China Sea. US is competing with China there.

WHAT US INVESTS

■ Promise to defend the Philippines, Australia ■ Military exercises in Thailand with several regional states ■ Freedom-of-movement exercises in South China Sea

WHAT IT GETS BACK

■ Basing rights in Singapore ■ Region friendlier to US, more leverage against China ■ Protect South China Sea trade worth $ 5.3 trillion (about 30% of global maritime trade), including $ 1.2 trillion in trade with US ■ Philippines, Australia promise to defend US