Prevention of US-China Armed Conflict Over South China Sea Territorial Disputes

Abstract

The South China Sea is in danger of sparking armed conflict among several nations claiming sovereignty over its islands and waters. Due to relationships the United States has with countries in the region and the risk to freedom of navigation, any conflict here is likely to compel U.S. involvement. As it would involve two nuclear powers, the consequences of a China-United States military conflict would be globally significant and long lasting. Recent actions by the United States are giving the appearance of foreign policy success; however, they have not brought the island disputes (Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands) any closer to resolution. This thesis will analyze the interests and actions of the nations that are involved in the South China Sea island disputes, and provide recommendations to the United States on avoiding a conflict with China and resolving the disputes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA581251

Entities

People

  • Michael W. Hartmann

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Foreign Relations
  • Geography
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Natural Gas
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navies (Foreign)
  • Navy
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Systems Analysis and Design