| UPDATED: 13:33, Fri, Mar 5, 2021 Link copied South China Sea: Expert predicts no conflict for five years Sign up to receive our rundown of the day's top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Lyle Goldstein, research professor at the Naval War College's China Maritime Studies Institute, said the US would likely lose a first fight with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Washington and Beijing have repeatedly raised tensions with naval drills in disputed Asian waters over the past year, with China enraged over the US’s support of Taiwan and presence in the South China Sea.