Battle for the sea: the Philippines, South China Sea and the USA foreign policy Gamble

Abstract

One of the most strategically important maritime areas in the world (the South China Sea) has been home to increasingly bold territorial clashes between China, the Philippines, and Southeast Asian countries. In this article I examine the South China Sea geopolitics with emphasis on the Philippines turning into a strategic asset, Chinese aggressive encroaching, and the US foreign policies on protecting interests. Using perspectives from Realist theories (Offensive, Defensive) and the ideas of Balance of Power and Balance of Threat, the article provides a detailed explanation of the rationale for the behavior of these states. The article also discusses the larger ramifications of these tensions for regional and global security and policy, painting a full picture of the current geopolitical dynamic in the South China Sea.