Published In
Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-15-2015
Subjects
International conflict, Diplomacy, South China Sea, Maritime boundaries, UNCLOS 1982
Abstract
The article discusses ongoing territorial tensions in the South China Sea.
"The long-running, multi-party dispute over control of islets in the South China Sea (SCS) is worsening both in rhetoric and provocative activity. Meeting in late May at the Shangri-La Dialogue on regional security, US and Chinese defense officials sparred over responsibility for the increased tension, though they stopped short of issuing threats. In fact, all sides to the dispute say they want to avoid violence, prefer a diplomatic resolution, and support freedom of navigation. Both the US and China insist that the dispute notwithstanding, their relationship overall is positive and enduring. But China, citing its indisputable sovereignty over the SCS, is backing its claim in ways that alarm the US and several Asian governments: construction of an air strip on the Spratly Islands, a land reclamation project that has artificially expanded its claimed territory, and most recently emplacement of two mobile artillery vehicles."
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/15452
Citation Details
Gurtov, M. "Rules and Rocks: The US-China Standoff Over the South China Sea Islands", The Asia-Pacific Journal, Vol. 13, Issue 23, No. 1, June 15 2015.
Description
This is the publisher's final PDF. Originally published in Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus.