That is an interesting point, but I think the PLAN can bring force to the East China Sea disputes much easier than something between Guam and Wake. I don't think the US would allow them to even build up forces in the Marshalls without hostilities.

They wouldn't do it by building up forces, they would do it by building an airport.

https://nextcity.org/features/view/the-worlds-emptiest-airpo...

I can see where you are going, but there is a big difference between building dual-use infrastructure and actually moving forces there. If the Liaoning and its screens decide to weigh anchor and steam halfway toward Hawaii, the entire world and the USN will probably wake up and say "oh shit, what are you doing?"

I think what the parent was pointing out was the infrastructure China built in Sri Lanka eventually led to SL deeding over some territory to China to cover the debt.

I guess the implication is that they'll get Marshall Islands indebted to them, force them to sign over their claim to Wake Island to settle the debt and then China would somehow militarily press that claim.

Or something like that. The Chinese are currently playing a much longer game than any other nation on earth.

"We are defending the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the behest of the government thereof."