China is too strong to be bullied into siding with the US against Russia and will trade with whoever it wishes to, in accordance with international law. Just as the US and Nato can decide to provide military assistance to Ukraine, any other sovereign state can do the same for Russia if it chooses to.
The US defence secretary’s tour of Southeast Asia serves to apply pressure on its allies to choose sides. America’s claim of being a reliable partner and stabilising influence in the region should also be questioned in light of its wavering commitment in the past.