Publication

This paper argues that despite Chinese president Xi Jinping’s image as a strongman, China’s approach to maritime security will continue to be shaped by a diverse set of local actors. These include local governments, law enforcement agencies, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), resource companies, and fishermen, all of which are all pushing their own agenda. The author contends that due to the competition between these agendas, China’s behavior in the China Seas will be unpredictable.