Publication

This essay highlights the strategic importance of the East China Sea. It argues that the presence of major military powers (China, Japan, South Korea) and especially the US naval dominance in the region has limited the amount of friction. The author gives three reasons why China, however, may become more active in the East China Sea: (1) its desire for accurate charts into the Pacific, (2) the unresolved Senkaku/Diaoyutai islands dispute and (3) the perceived US decline. He concludes by giving recommendations for the US to maintain stability in the region.