The United States and Chinese Assertiveness in the South China Sea
Author: Carlyle A. Thayer
Volume 6, Number 2 (Winter 2010), pp. 69-84.
Abstract
The South China Sea is once again becoming an emerging security concern. China has elevated the importance of the South China Sea as a national security issue. This article discusses the strategic significance of new Chinese naval facilities on Hainan Island, Chinese harassment of US naval ships, and increased Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. All three of these developments are posing new challenges to the littoral states bordering the South China Sea and to the United States. The article considers three motivations for Chinese assertiveness and assesses the obstacles to cooperation between China and the United States. The article concludes by proposing seven recommendations to assist in managing rising tensions.
About the Author
Carl Thayer is Professor of Politics in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy. c.thayer@adfa.edu.au.
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