17 May 2012

Chinese Debates of South China Sea Policy

Implications for Future Developments

This paper examines the domestic debate in China concerning the South China Sea dispute since 2009. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the Chinese debate on three issues: (1) the ways various schools of thought have viewed the South China Sea dispute, (2) the types of policy proposals made, and (3) areas where consensus and disagreements exist. It also analyzes how the debate relates to China’s official position and actual policy and behavior in the dispute. Being the most powerful party and having engaged in three military conflicts in the territorial dispute, China’s policy is critical in shaping the future developments of the dispute and also the dynamics of regional security.

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