THE UNITED STATES’ RESPONSES TOWARDS THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA’S RISING POWER IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA (2013 – 2020)

Abstract

The South China Sea has become an objective of policy for several countries, including the United States and the People’s Republic of China. It can be seen from a large number of conflicts that emerge in this area because many interests have clashed. The defensive actions of the People’s Republic of China in this region have threatened the other states although the Chinese government stated that there is no intention to militarize the South China Sea. Nevertheless, from the nine-dashed line territorial claims to the construction of the naval base, it seems that rather than being defensive, in other states point of view, Beijing tends to do offensive actions. This is because in order to survive in the self-help world, state will do anything. On the other side, as the holder of the world balance of power, the United States will not let Beijing rise peacefully. Washington will do anything in order to protect its hegemonic power with a purpose to survive in the anarchy of the international system. Washington will expand its navy presence by conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs). Moreover, Washington also will strengthen its influence and role in this region by building cooperation with many countries. In addition, in terms of addressing this issue, the actors have their own perspectives because they are influenced by their emotions. It can be seen from the Trump Administration that is more aggressive in terms of opposing Beijing’s offensive actions, compared to the Obama Administration, in the South China Sea.