The South China Sea, home to a wealth of oil and natural gas deposits, is the subject of numerous territorial disputes between the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Beyond the natural resources in the region, there are also vital international trade routes-- about half of all oil tanker shipments cross the South China Sea-- military bases, and fisheries. China, in particular, continues to increase its military presence in the area and island-building, putting both the region and the United States on alert.
Latest in South China Sea
Continued tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, a reemphasized U.S. naval focus on China, and Japanese outreach to European nations.
China is accusing the United States of changing its South China Sea policy and taking a side among the claimants. But that accusation is flawed.
Recent incidents in the South China Sea have called into question whether some U.S. spy flights in international airspace violate international norms.
What’s the international significance of the dispute over the Chagos Archipelago?
China is clearly engaged in military intimidation of Taiwan and is not living up to its commitment to settle the cross-strait issues through peaceful means.
In addition to potential benefits, Vietnam should also consider what it can lose.
Summer in the South China Sea—a hardened U.S. policy, extensive naval operations and a Twitter skirmish.
Vietnam and China have sparred over competing claims in the South China Sea for nearly 50 years. Recently, Vietnamese officials have begun initiating legal proceedings against China to try and change their unfavorable position in the region.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement outlining the “U.S. Position on Maritime Claims in the South China Sea.” Does the statement advance U.S. strategic goals in the region?