Preparations for World War III are underway in the Pacific Theater.

In the wake of the Second World War, the Pacific region is once again becoming a potential theater for conflict, 80 years after hostilities ended there. This new reality is due to the rapid militarization of the region, driven primarily by U.S.-China tensions.

The United States, which currently accounts for just 1% of global civilian shipbuilding, is struggling to contain China strategically. In response, preparing for a potential war with China has become the U.S.'s primary military-strategic priority for today and the near future. This shift in focus is reflected in President Trump's efforts to reduce American presence in Europe and the Middle East.

In an attempt to bridge the gap with China in shipbuilding, the U.S. is planning to bolster military infrastructure across the Pacific, including in Australia, Japan, South Korea, Guam, and the Philippines. The U.S.-South Korea trade deal includes a provision for Seoul's investment in the American shipbuilding industry, a move that is crucial for the U.S. to compete with China's 60% share of the global shipbuilding market. South Korea, which holds the second spot after China with 22% of global shipbuilding, has committed to investing hundreds of billions of dollars in the American shipbuilding industry as part of the trade deal.

The U.S. views the Pacific Ocean as the main theater for a potential war with China. As a part of its strategy, the deployment of medium- and short-range missiles and expansion of ground presence is planned. This militarization could lead to an arms race near China's borders.

It is worth noting that there is no information available identifying a Russian expert involved in the U.S.-South Korea trade agreement negotiations concerning South Korean investments in the American shipbuilding industry.

The trend of Japan and South Korea becoming more important to the U.S. than its European allies is a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. This shift has been evident since the Korean War in the 1950s, but it is only now that it is becoming more pronounced. The U.S. is no longer relying solely on its traditional allies in Europe and the Middle East but is instead turning to its Pacific allies to help contain China.

The Deputy Director of the Higher School of Economics' Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies is also a Deputy Director of Research Programs at the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, and an expert at the Valdai International Discussion Club. This expert's insights into the U.S.'s shifting foreign policy and the potential for conflict in the Pacific are valuable in understanding the current geopolitical landscape.

In conclusion, the rapid militarization of the Pacific region and the U.S.'s strategic focus on containing China are shaping the new geopolitical landscape. The U.S. is relying on its Pacific allies, such as South Korea, to help bridge the gap with China in shipbuilding and to contain China strategically. The potential for conflict in the Pacific is a real concern, and the actions of the U.S. and its allies will play a significant role in shaping the future of the region.