Competing Strategies of US and China: Prospects for Militarization of the South China Sea

Abstract

This article explores how the competition between China and the US is threatening the regional stability and argues that the rivalry between the big powers which is driven by economic, military, political and technological, interests is further increasing the risk of militarization and creating a security paradox in the region. The research also highlights China’s territorial claims that actually drive its actions in the region and further shed light on its historical grievances. This study viewed the China-US competition through the lens of neo-realism, meaning both states are taking extreme measures in the pursuit of their selfish interests.  Moreover, this study is aligned with the SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and strong Institutions) and explain how the China-US competition hinders the progress, towards achieving the SDG 16. Lastly, intense rivalry between two dominant powers is directly undermining the efforts to achieve, peace and stability in the region.

Keywords: South China Sea, China-US Rivalry, Strategic Competition, Security Paradox, Neorealism, Militarization, Historical Claims, China, US, UNCLOS