China and the South China Sea. A quest for dominance in global politics

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background to the Study

The South China Sea: Historical and Geographical Audit

1.2. Statement of the Problem

1.3. Research Questions

1.4. Objectives of the Study

1.5. Research Propositions

1.6. Significance of the Study

1.7. Scope and Limitations of the Study

1.8. Research Methodology

Sources of Data Collection

Research Design

Data Collection

Data Analysis

2. LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1. The Concept of Global Power

2.2. Is China a Global Power?

2.3. Territorial Acquisitions and their Strategic Significance to States’ Power Boosts

The Golan Heights

Strategic Significance of Golan Heights to Israel

Security through Economic Gain

The Sinai Peninsula

Strategic Significance of Sinai Peninsula to Israel

West Bank

Gaza Strip

Strategic Significance of West Bank and Gaza Strip to Israel

Louisiana Purchase

Strategic Importance of Louisiana to U.S.A

New Orleans

Alaska Purchase

The strategic significance of Alaska to U.S

Crimea Annexation

Strategic Significance of Crimea to Russia

Sevastopol and Russia

2.4. Theoretical Framework

Structural Realism

3. SOUTH CHINA SEA: CLAIMS, SIGNIFICANCE, INCIDENTS AND UNCLOS

3.1. Disputants and their Claims

Philippines

Taiwan

Brunei

Malaysia

Vietnam

China

Marine Resources

Legitimacy Consolidation

Energy Resources

Sea Lanes of Communications (SLOCs)

3.2. Incidents in the South China Sea

3.3. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and SCS

Internal waters

Baseline

Territorial Sea

Contiguous zone

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Continental shelf

High Sea

Area

Maritime Zones Generated by Offshore Features in the South China Sea

4. THE SOUTH CHINA SEA: CHINA’S CLAIMS AND STRATEGIES AND IMPLICATIONS

4.1. The Validity of China’s Claims

The Nine-Dash (U-shaped) Lines

The Validity of Maps

The Validity of China’s Historic Claims

The Validity of China’s Historic Waters Claim

Exercise of Authority

Continuity of Authority

Acquiescence

Historic Title

4.2. China’s Strategies in the South China Sea

Soft Strategies

Cooperation Strategy

Delaying Strategy

Calculative Strategy

Salami-slicing Strategy

Hard Strategy

4.3. Reactions to China’s Claims and Strategies by other Claimants

Hard Strategy

Internationalizing the Dispute

4.4. United States and South China Sea

4.5. ASEAN and South China Sea

5. CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND REFERENCES

5.1. Conclusion

5.2. Recommendations

Joint Development of Resources

ASEAN and Code of Conduct

U.S Needs to Show Enough Seriousness in Asia

Research Objectives and Key Themes

This study aims to examine the causes and implications of China's assertive actions and land reclamation activities in the South China Sea, analyzing them through the lens of structural and offensive realism to understand their impact on regional stability and the strategic interests of other claimants and the United States.

• China's quest for global power status and regional dominance.
• The strategic, economic, and political significance of the South China Sea.
• The legal validity of China's "nine-dash line" historical claims under international law (UNCLOS).
• China's military modernization and multi-faceted strategy (soft and hard) to consolidate its claims.
• The role and effectiveness of ASEAN and the United States in balancing and managing the dispute.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the background of the contentious South China Sea dispute, defines the research problem, and establishes the methodology used to analyze China's actions.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Explores the concept of global power and applies structural realism to analyze why states seek power and territory in an anarchic international system.

3. SOUTH CHINA SEA: CLAIMS, SIGNIFICANCE, INCIDENTS AND UNCLOS: Details the claims of the six disputants, the strategic resources involved, recent incidents, and the relevance of UNCLOS.

4. THE SOUTH CHINA SEA: CHINA’S CLAIMS AND STRATEGIES AND IMPLICATIONS: Analyzes the validity of China's claims, its soft and hard power strategies, and the responses from other claimants and the United States.

5. CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND REFERENCES: Summarizes the findings, suggesting that joint development of resources and stronger regional unity are essential to reduce tensions.

Keywords

South China Sea, China, Territorial Disputes, UNCLOS, Global Power, Structural Realism, Maritime Strategy, Nine-Dash Line, Land Reclamation, ASEAN, Geopolitics, Military Modernization, Freedom of Navigation, Sovereignty, Diplomacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The research primarily investigates the causes and strategic implications of China’s increasing assertiveness and land reclamation activities within the disputed South China Sea region.

Which theoretical framework does the author apply?

The author uses structural realism, specifically incorporating elements of offensive realism, to explain state behavior and the quest for power in the international system.

What is the core research question?

The work seeks to determine the nature of China’s maritime claims, their validity under international law, and why the South China Sea is considered so critical to China's global ambitions.

What research methodology is employed?

The study utilizes qualitative content analysis, relying on secondary sources such as books, journals, official documents, and expert reports to synthesize the current state of the dispute.

How are China's strategies categorized in the study?

The author categorizes China’s strategies into "soft strategies" (such as cooperation, delaying, and salami-slicing) and "hard strategies" (military modernization and naval capability building).

What is the significance of the "nine-dash line"?

The "nine-dash line" represents China's vast and controversial historical claim to sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, a claim that faces significant legal challenges under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

How does the author evaluate China's historical claims?

The author argues that China's historical claims are weak, noting that mere discovery is insufficient for sovereignty and that other claimants consistently contest these claims.

What role does ASEAN play in the dispute?

The study assesses ASEAN as a forum for conflict management, while highlighting its current internal divisions and limited success in forging a unified voice against China's assertiveness.

What is the "salami-slicing" strategy mentioned?

This refers to China’s approach of executing small, persistent actions that incrementally strengthen its claims without triggering a major military conflict or casus belli.

What is the author's ultimate conclusion regarding the dispute?

The author concludes that because the South China Sea is vital for global trade and energy, and because major powers remain locked in a security dilemma, a long-term peaceful resolution remains unlikely in the near future.