Page 23 - 63 NDC Inter.Stu.63

Chapter 2
Geo-Strategic Shifts in the South China Sea

Conclusion
Propaganda

The military developments in the ASEAN’s biggest challenge is to Implications to ASEAN

South China Sea has also led to propaganda balance big power confrontation in the
warfare. China has defined free navigation region. The group has to mitigate the

operations as violations of international issue while remaining within the realities
law on respect for territorial waters, of conflicting preferences between Evolving Geo-Strategic Matrix in South China Sea:

criticizing the U.S. provocative military inward-looking and outward-looking
actions as threatening peace and stability national interest of the ASEAN member

in the South China Sea. 18 It also criticizes countries. Geostrategic interests of other
the United States, not China, for promoting nations outside ASEAN region, especially

the militarization of the South China Sea. 19 the United States are also important
China has argued that the U.S. should in terms of security realm for few ASEAN

stop its military operations in the South members. Similarly, the economic prowess
China Sea and instead focus on domestic of China is vital to the interests of many

issues such as the spread of Covid-19. 20 ASEAN members. In short, the hegemonic 13
In addition, it has been assessed in China competition between big power in South

that the Covid-19 pandemic has weakened China Sea is the challenge for ASEAN.
the ability of the U.S. Navy to deploy in the Important to note here is the fact that the

Asia-Pacific region. 21 The assessment territorial row transpired on the South
suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has China Sea shows how rivalry between two

disrupted the operational operations of U.S. hegemonic nations can easily (potentially)
22
Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers, which was disrupt the peace in the region.
seen as an opportunity to expand China’s
influence over the South China Sea.

18 China Global Television Network(CGTN), “China slams U.S. provocative acts in South China Sea” (January 28,
2020); China Military Online, “Defense Ministry’s Regular Press Conference on Feb. 28” (March 1, 2020);
19 China Daily, “Chinese military opposes more foreign naval presence in South China Sea” (April 30, 2020).
20 China Military Online, “Chinese military slams US repeated provocative acts in South China Sea” (April 28, 2020).
21 Global Times, “Chinese Navy holds drills amid US violation” (April 2, 2020); Global Times, “Epidemic hinders
US military presence near China” (April 15, 2020); Global Times, “PLA expels trespassing US warship from
Xisha Islands, urges it to fight COVID-19 at home” (April 28, 2020).
22 The Changing Political-Military Environment: Southeast Asia. Angel Rabasa.