South China Sea Disputes

For centuries, South China Sea resources and island sovereignty have been in dispute. In modern times, such disputes extended not just to neighboring nations, but to world powers. Recently, territorial and resource claims found traction in the United Nation's Permanent Court of Arbitration. Strategic interests subsequently led to increased friction between China and the United States. In recognition of this, both powers shifted their respective military policies to accommodate increasing strategic engagement. The ASEAN nations hurried to align themselves militarily and diplomatically, Cambodia with China and the balance of ASEAN largely with the United States. This work examines the consequences of such decisions.