South China Sea

Global Conflict Tracker: Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea
China’s sweeping claims of sovereignty have antagonized its neighbors in the region. This tracker will help you get up to speed and stay informed.

by Center for Preventive Action Jun 27, 2018

Military Confrontation in the South China Sea
The trade war, fallout from COVID-19, and increased military activity raise the risk of conflict between the United States and China in the South China Sea.

Contingency Planning Memorandum by Oriana Skylar Mastro May 21, 2020

China’s Maritime Disputes
Disputes over overlapping exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea have intensified in recent decades, while the territorial row over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea dates back to the nineteenth century.

Timeline by Beina Xu, Eleanor Albert, Lindsay Maizland, and Clara Fong Sep 18, 2023

China’s Modernizing Military
The People’s Liberation Army is aiming to become the dominant force in the Asia-Pacific, strengthening China’s hand toward Taiwan and international disputes in the South China Sea.

Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland Feb 5, 2020

  • Philippines
    The U.S.-Philippines Defense Alliance
    The Philippines is one of the United States’ oldest allies in Asia-Pacific and the long-lasting defense relationship is at the heart of U.S. policy in the region.
    Backgrounder by Eleanor Albert October 21, 2016
  • China
    China Policy and the U.S. Presidential Election
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    The president of the United States will have to deal with a rising and more assertive China on a wide range of issues, including Asia-Pacific security, trade, and cybersecurity. U.S.-China relations will likely continue to be a mix of competition and cooperation. The central question for bilateral relations is: Can the world’s two largest economies avoid increased competition and even conflict?
    Explainer Video with Jeremy Sherlick January 28, 2016
  • South China Sea
    Conflict in the South China Sea
    Territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue to be a source of tension and potential conflict between China and other countries in the region. Though the United States takes no position on so…
    Contingency Planning Memorandum by Bonnie S. Glaser April 7, 2015 Center for Preventive Action
  • South China Sea
    South China Sea Tensions
    As the United States pivots to Asia, disputes over territories in the South China Sea have escalated tensions and threatened regional stability.
    Backgrounder by Beina Xu May 14, 2014
  • China
    Video: China’s Ongoing Maritime Disputes
    Play
    The East and South China Seas are the scene of escalating territorial disputes between China and its neighbors, including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The tensions, shaped by China’s growing assertiveness, have fueled concerns over armed conflict and raised questions about Washington’s security commitments in its strategic rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region.
    Explainer Video with Hagit Ariav and Jeremy Sherlick April 21, 2014
  • China
    Teaching Notes: China’s Maritime Disputes
    The East and South China Seas are the scene of escalating territorial disputes between China and its neighbors. This interactive InfoGuide—which includes videos, infographics, maps, and timelines—explains how the tensions have fueled concerns over armed conflict and led to questions about Washington’s security commitments in its strategic rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region.
    Teaching Notes September 15, 2013
  • South China Sea
    Armed Clash in the South China Sea
    In April 2015, the author wrote an update to this memo to reflect recent developments in the South China Sea. Read the update. Introduction The risk of conflict in the South China Sea is signif…
    Contingency Planning Memorandum by Bonnie S. Glaser April 11, 2012 Center for Preventive Action