Clinton's remarks were translated into official policy at the start of 2012, as the Obama administration outlined a new China-centric military strategy.[6] The preceding year, Clinton had already "grabbed Beijing's lapels" by declaring the South China Sea as a vital American interest.[7] The policy shift was denounced by Chinese state media, which declared that the Americans should not "recklessly practice militarism", nor engage in "war mongering".[6] Unease from SE Asian countries at the militaristic rhetoric from the US led to a trip by Clinton in July 2012, which aimed to extend economic ties to South East Asian countries that are becoming increasingly bound by trade with China, being spun as an adjustment to focusing more on economic issues.