You're actually convoluting the functions.

Do you understand, Frida, the writhing agony of my soul?

As recent events in the East and South China Seas show, China sometimes attempts to strong arm its neighbors.

The memo cites a female interrogator rubbing lotion on a shackled detainee and whispering in his ear during Ramadan when sexual contact with a strange woman would be most offensive then suddenly bending back his thumbs until he grimaced in pain, and violently grabbing his genitals.

As recent events in the East and South China Seas show, China sometimes attempts to strong arm its neighbors. The US will need to defend its allies and interests by pushing back, but with actions modulated to limit Chinese concerns.