In the 19th century, Britain and Russia vied for dominance in the strategically important Central Asia region in what was called the Great Game. Two centuries later, the modern day version of strategic rivalry is being played out in the Asia-Pacific, with the United States and China competing for supremacy. Military activity in the South China Sea has made the disputed area a hot spot for potential conflict as the two countries jostle to control sea lanes through which 40 per cent of world trade passes. But that is not the only front - the world's biggest and second-largest economies are battling to set global trade rules. The latest round of that contest will be played out this week at the...
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