Publication

This commentary discusses China’s efforts to further its territorial claims in the South China Sea, its efforts to expand cooperative ties with ASEAN states and how these two policies affect one another. More specifically, the author examines 1) China’s unwillingness to consider third party arbitration or mediation in resolving competing maritime territorial claims in the South China Sea; 2) its efforts to prevent such third party involvement; 3) the different views of ASEAN states toward the disputes in the South China Sea and how they are undermining relations within the organization; and 4) how this disunity within ASEAN is leading some of its member states to improve relations with the US and why this could undermine China’s efforts to foster better relations with countries in Southeast Asia. The author also outlines China’s initiatives to promote trade, infrastructure development and investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.