The Quad: A Mature Counterbalance in the South China Sea

Abstract

Over the past decade, China has steadily gained more territory, control, and influence in the South China Sea. Contrary to many scholarly opinions, the author argues the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue has matured and is effectively combating Chinese influence in the South China Sea. First, he dissects the counter arguments to this thesis. Next, he lays out three supporting claims that 1) geopolitical conditions have aligned within Quad members to provide unity of effort, 2) the Quad and international community are successfully combating Chinas lawfare tactics, and 3) media, public statements, and public opinion have shown the impact from a Quad led strategy to combat Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. Finally, the author provides recommendations to increase deterrence to a level that ensures a stable, accessible, and open South China Sea.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 12, 2022
Accession Number
AD1176642

Entities

People

  • Shane D. Hughes

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Asia
  • Commerce
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Trade
  • Law
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • South China Sea
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Systems Analysis and Design