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Chapter 2
Geo-Strategic Shifts in the South China Sea
Simultaneously, China began the concept of ‘Pacifying the Periphery’.
to develop bilateral and multilateral Fourth, becoming the main actor in the
security relationships with Southeast international arena.
Asian states, in pursuance of leadership Implications to ASEAN
role in the region. China believes that In the South China Sea’s military
this role is crucial to its ideology. In context, initially China established ‘Nine-
pursuit of its centrality in international Dash Line’, a maritime border around the
politics, its primary strategic goal is the South China Sea. Subsequently, the reefs Evolving Geo-Strategic Matrix in South China Sea:
accumulation of ‘comprehensive national of “Paracel Islands” and “Spratly Islands”
power’ defined by economic, military, were buried to build artificial islands. China
technological and diplomatic global is in the processs of militarizing the South
leadership. To attain this objective, China Sea to deploy cruise missiles and
it has long set itself on four-pronged long-range surface-to-air missiles on these
converging strategic courses. First, artificial islands. Needless to say, China’s
domination of the Chinese Communist growing influence in the region is seen as a
Party (CPC). Second, achievement of significant challenge to the erstwhile sole
high economic growth. Third, following super power United States and its allies. 09
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