The United States and Chinese Assertiveness in the South China Sea

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. This article assesses recent Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea against China’s declaratory policy of promoting “peace, cooperation and development” and a “harmonious world”. 1 China has elevated the South China Sea to a “core interest” and has undertaken provocative actions to underscore its national security concerns. Chinese actions have resulted in growing friction with Vietnam and have spilled over to affect US strategic and commercial interests. The United States has responded by asserting its right to freedom of navigation and has moved to develop a strategic partnership with Vietnam. This article is divided into five parts. Part one provides background to current developments and places these developments in strategic context. Part two assesses the strategic significance of Yulin Naval Base on Hainan Island. Part three reviews Chinese harassment of US naval vessels in the waters off Hainan. Part four reviews China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and the spill over effect on US security and commercial interests. Part five assesses impediments to improved US-China relations and offers seven proposals to manage rising tensions. Background to Current Developments

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