Chapter 3: U.S.–China Rivalry and the Paradox of the South China Sea Disputes

The following sections are included:

• Historical Background

• UNCLOS and the Industrial Revolution of East Asia

• The Costs of Economic Growth

• China’s Territorial Claims

• Xi Jinping’s Objectives

• U.S. and P.R.C. Views on Maritime Law and National Sovereignty

• The U.S. Shift from Post-War International “Rules-Based Order” to Trump’s New Nationalism

• China’s Maritime Gray Zone Operations: “Push, Push, But Don’t Break”

• ASEAN’s Role

• Conclusions

  • China’s dilemma: International law or international outlaw?

  • An emerging concert of powers?

  • Provisional solutions for persistent problems

• References