Imbalanced Strategy: Confronting China in the South China Sea
Abstract
The South China Sea (SCS) is an immensely rich maritime resource, and those states that form its rim covet its bounty dearly. Its largest resident, the People's Republic of China, has claimed "indisputable sovereignty" over almost all of it. China's claim clearly disregards the sovereignty of the Southeast Asian nations and their more modest claims, and it has evaded efforts to resolve the disputes. In addition, China has expanded its civil and military maritime forces in the SCS. This strategy has provoked and intimidated China's neighbors, who have sought US assistance in securing their claims and secured access to the international commons. This paper argues that US and Southeast Asian relations with China are nearing a critical juncture at which the former two must either acquiesce to Chinese maritime imperialism, or change their strategies to compel China to conform to international laws that govern maritime affairs. With or without US intervention, the SCS rim states will soon settle upon a new status quo that corrects for a more assertive, powerful, and resource-hungry China. If the United States seeks a favorable outcome, it must first compel the Southeast Asian states to resolve their own disputes and present a united front in their attempt to coerce China to negotiate a reasonable, legal solution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1175842
Entities
People
- Eric C. Danielsen
Organizations
- Marine Corps University