“All that noise.. and nothing about China’s aims in the South China Sea.”
China has always “conquered” via economic trade...you simply don’t understand the relevance of Trump’s answer. I would agree he needs to bring his speaking down to levels most Americans will understand...he does not do that well. But, don’t kid yourself, he is communicating many relevant things when he talks...hitting many different voter demographics. He has the ability to bring in many thoughts to individual sentences...but, he does so coarsely. That is because he really is not a polished politician.
Wrong. The question pertained to China's buildup in the South China Sea and Trump simply didn't understand the question. As such, he sure as hell showed he doesn't grasp the extent of China's aims in the South China Sea.
Trump said nothing about China's designs on the Spratley Islands and other expansion in that region, focusing on three main islands — the Fiery Cross Reef, Mischief Reef, and the Subi Reef, while dredging and creating islands of their own. This causes major disruption in shipping in the area, not to mention an unprecedented military presence.
Trump stumbled in every direction in response to that question because he had no clue.