Naval Power Dynamics in the Western Pacific Ocean: Impact on the Maritime Situation in East and South China Seas

Abstract

The Western Pacific Region is currently faced with a number of territorial sovereignty disputes and contestations over claimed associated maritime zones. The locus of such disputes lies mainly around the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in East China Sea; and the Paracel and Spratly chain of islands in the South China Sea. All the disputants are notably engaged in modernising their defense forces, with particular emphasis on naval modernisation. While the pace and quantum of such navy-building is dependent on the individual countries' comprehensive national power (CNP), China and Japan are the leading protagonists. When viewed in the context of long-standing and intractable maritime disputes, the increasing naval capabilities of regional countries adds to the level of their confrontationist postures. This may at times, lead to undesirable outcomes by way of sheer miscalculation. In such an environment, The US decision to ‘pivot’ to this region brings in huge foreign policy challenges, which it must overcome in order to ensure lasting peace and stability therein.

Notes

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