The time frame is slightly important. Though for the most part that is false. The Chinese leaders did not see the need to interact with outside societies as they had little reason to trade.
b. False
Impeding - to delay or prevent by obstructing it/them.
so your answer is B. Obstructing; slowing down.
<span>the Philippines has emerged as what Carter in January termed “a central part” of the Obama administration’s rebalance, particularly in the security realm. In no small part due to China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, Manila has cemented itself as a key location for America’s military presence; an exemplar of partnering both with Washington as well as its regional allies like Japan and Australia; and an upholder of international principles in the maritime security domain. </span>
