Hi Chris,
I'm not sure you call ignorantly label China 'aggressive' for it's assertiveness in building bases and defending the South China Sea.
Whether it's in line with international law or not, the reality is that it's done this not to project power or to use as a beach head for further offensives, but for it's own defense.

China doesn't need to invade and occupy and of those other countries nearby.

You seem to support this administration and the neoconservatives like US undersecretary of state, 3rd highest in the US State department:
Biden says China won't surpass U.S. as global leader on his watch
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-china-idUSKBN2BH2ZE

But it's too late, China's already won.

http://www.aspi.org.au/report/critical-technology-tracker
"Our research reveals that China has built the foundations to position itself as the world’s leading science and technology superpower, by establishing a sometimes stunning lead in high-impact research across the majority of critical and emerging technology domains.
China’s global lead extends to 37 out of 44 technologies that ASPI is now tracking, covering a range of crucial technology fields spanning defence, space, robotics, energy, the environment, biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced materials and key quantum technology areas."

Meanwhile the US averages 1760 train derailments per year.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/norfolk-southern-train-derailment-federal-investigation-b2296095.html
"According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the US experiences 1,760 train derailments on average each year."

- And the petro-dollar is almost dead with the US 32 trillion in debt with Saudi Arabia selling oil for Chinese currency and liquidating US Treasuries.
Soon the US won't be able to fund its own debt.
The US is a dying nation, desperate to maintain an image of power.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

US Hegemony and Its Perils - 20 February 2023
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/202302/t20230220_11027664.html

Interesting times Armchair Ride.

I do not believe that the majority of countries will ever accept Chinese hegemony. They will react in some form over time.
I also argue that humanity itself cannot afford to allow such a situation.
Might put something in writing about why no one can really trust the CCP.
No one wants war, but most know letting the CCP rise and rise cannot be ever accepted

AR, I am not a diehard fan of the US in terms of all of its actions. I know of its many flaws. All great powers will have moments of madness.
But, in terms of a viable world order, I think the US will always remain lights years ahead of the CCP.
Why do you think the other Asian countries support the US? They also agree that the US is the lesser of two evils.

"But, in terms of a viable world order, I think the US will always remain lights years ahead of the CCP."

Well the truth is we really don't know how China will treat the world when it becomes the worlds dominant superpower.
- But going by what was stated in that paper I previously linked to, at least it's saying the right things, for now.

"Countries need to respect each other and treat each other as equals. Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and take the lead in pursuing a new model of state-to-state relations featuring dialogue and partnership, not confrontation or alliance. China opposes all forms of hegemonism and power politics, and rejects interference in other countries' internal affairs..."

A wise person on this form once pointed out a dilemma.
'That in a world where there are multiple leading powers, there'll always be conflict, but in a world where there's only one leading power there'll be tyranny.

I support a multipolar world where leaders can sit down as equals and work things our respectfully of each others interests.
What is the alternative?

China primed for huge tech lead over US in 'wake-up call' for Western democracies, report finds
http://www.9news.com.au/world/china-usa-tech-updates-china-primed-for-huge-tech-lead-over-us-in-wakeup-call-for-west/aad52d23-146b-430a-8cba-5b888ee63d0b

China is Fast Outpacing U.S. STEM PhD Growth
http://cset.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/China-is-Fast-Outpacing-U.S.-STEM-PhD-Growth.pdf

- Look at the reality (above) do we really have any choice?
Thinking the West can keep up with their progress is like a race between a man in a wheelchair and Husein Bolt.
The Chinese industrial manufacturing base is greater than the US and Europe combined.

We should ask ourselves the question 'Do we really want to go to war with China?'
- Well, the answer for me is "No, I don't".

I pointed out earlier that siding with the declining US and their war against China, at the expense of trade and our own economic interests is the equivalent of dropping a nuke on ourselves.
What's more this military path against them we're embarking upon, will likely end up with us wearing a few real ones, which we're in no position to defend against anyway.