Sumo, a highly regimented Japanese sport, is embedded with rituals of mutual respect while China and the US, poking around in the diplomatic rule book without much luck, only seem to know of Sumo's pushing and shoving in the Western Pacific
The projection of Chinese power across the Pacific is a game-changer and a two-pronged strategy, asserting military power behind walls and letting trade flows trickle beyond, across the island archipelagos of the Pacific
Foreign Direct Investments are not necessarily in line with economic interests of the SEA-5 countries - by embracing open-handed commitments in credible partnerships, the super-powers could cement balance, securing growth and stability in South-East Asia
Strength of American trade and long-term investments will buttress a clear narrative of US engagement, balancing China's regional influence. A light touch, more trade venues and new industrial options could be explored to counter US' protectionist bent
