Introduction
More than just a stretch of water, the South China Sea is a key maritime pathway where more than five trillion dollars in trade is transported every year. Moreover, it is an area where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have territorial disputes with China which claims a large part of the seas with the history of its nine dash line. Such an ambitious claim, however, is being increasingly rebuffed, particularly by China’s immediate neighbours who are already wary about a China that they know respects neither the international order nor their territorial integrity.
Over the last couple of years, China has repeatedly resorted to actual use of force and on many occasions couched its military activity under the use of ‘militia’ activity carrying out blockades, ramming vessels, using water cannons and even stabbing citizens from the Philippines and Vietnam on their fishing boats. These acts not only threaten the way of life of fishermen but also instil fear within the region in general. There is moreover the aggressive lessening of the issue as Chinese maritime militia as well as military bases on manmade islands proliferate turning the region into one that is almost entirely under the control of the Chinese.
The Role of the United States
The strategic value of this sea coupled with the historical role of the United States as an underwriter of regional security might have suggested a more forceful reaction from Washington. The U.S. maintains mutual defence treaties with several countries in the region, most notably the Philippines, and has been equidistantly portrayed in many circles as being a tempering influence against Peking’s adventures in expansionism. Yet, however, the answers from three consecutive United States administrations have primarily consisted of rhetoric and symbolic declarations rather than policy and action measures.
Obama Administration
Under Obama, the United States adopted the “pivot to Asia” policy in a plan to strengthen alliances and curb China’s rise. However, one of the most egregious mistakes was in 2012 when Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal from Manila. Instead of drawing a clear line, the Obama administration opted for diplomacy by a Chinese aggressor that would go on to prove ineffective against keeping China at bay. This emboldened a sense of troubling precedent, as it sent the signal to Beijing that its actions would mostly go unpunished.
Trump Administration
In contrast, the Trump administration took a much more confrontational approach to China by embracing rhetoric that called for standing up to Beijing’s aggressive tactics. Yet while the military presence began increasing and the freedom of navigation operation started to occur, not much changed substantively in U.S. policy regarding the South China Sea. It was instead drowned out by a seemingly endless trade dispute. Allies in the region could not be assured of American commitment because of this neglect toward an urgent coherent maritime strategy.
Biden Administration
The Biden administration renewed multilateralism and strengthening alliances; commitment to regional partners has been reaffirmed, but its efforts have been below par as the incidents of Chinese aggression continued unabated, although what little tangible support the U.S. maintained was with these naval operations patrolling the waters and not beyond that.
The Need for a Comprehensive Strategy
Therefore, the US must take a holistic approach in addressing the rising influence of China in the South China Sea. Beyond words and mere rhetoric, effective actions will have to form the bedrock. A strong approach on its part has to involve the following critical elements:
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Strengthening Alliances
In this direction, the U.S needs to increase the defence commitment with Indo-Pacific allies through mutual defence obligation engagements and military cooperation through joint exercises, sharing of intelligence services, and capacity building. Presenting a united front, the U.S and allies can work as a deterrent to Chinese aggression and can reassure nations who feel threatened by Beijing’s aggressive stand.
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Expanding Economic Engagement
While military deployment would increase the U.S. presence in that region, economic and commercial involvement could also be the way to increase it. The establishment of trade agreements with countries in Southeast Asia, for instance, could be an alternative to Chinese coercion through economics. The U.S. can establish stronger partnerships through economic relationships to strengthen the strength of regional resilience against Chinese influence.
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Upholding International Law
The United States needs to lead international law and norms, especially UNCLOS in its regulation of disputes over seas. Support for international arbitration by the U.S. and the encouragement of regional countries to do the same will ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes and their resolution within legal frameworks.
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Enhancing Military Presence
A credible military presence is needed in the Indo-Pacific to deter Chinese aggression. This surely includes a forward-deployed naval presence but also investment in advanced capabilities able to rebut the Chinese anti-access/area denial strategies. The United States will also want to investigate more permanent bases that would serve not only as proof of commitment to the region but also to allow for rapid response.
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Promoting Regional Cooperation
Highly important is the encouragement of regional cooperation among the Southeast Asian nations. Initiatives that can gather under them a collective security arrangement, joint maritime patrols, and information sharing can enhance regional capabilities to respond against Chinese provocations. Coordination among these nations can create a harder deterrent against Chinese expansionism.
Conclusion
The South China Sea serves as a barometer of America’s willingness and ability to exercise leadership in the Indo-Pacific. With China’s increasing propensity to use force and coerce its neighbours, the United States should remain committed to its allies in the region and to the rule of law. Not doing so would not only threaten the security and freedom of action of countries in Southeast Asia but would as well denigrate the authority of U.S. global status.
In the interest of its own and its allies, the geographical scope of the United States must expand in order to combat the Duress of China in the South China Sea. This approach is the one that pushes for building partnerships, increasing trade, enforcing rules, deployment of forces and building regionalism. Only with an all-round approach like this, will the US be able to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific as well as protect the international order that has existed for over several decades.
