Experts in China discuss US role in South China Sea tensions

Experts in China recently highlighted the United States' role in escalating tensions in the South China Sea. At a discussion organized by the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, Chinese experts pointed out that the US is exacerbating issues in the region through its narratives on freedom of navigation and overflight. Wu Shicun from China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies mentioned that the change in leadership at the White House will lead to varying unilateral actions by claimant states in the region. The ongoing territorial disputes in this area are pivotal in the rivalry between the US and China, which could pose challenges for President Donald Trump as he navigates foreign policy concerns regarding the South China Sea.

Yan Yan, from the Research Center for Oceans Law and Policy, emphasized that the US represents the greatest threat to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. These sentiments were echoed by experts who believe media exaggerations have fueled instability in the region. They blamed the US for taking sides and certain claimant countries for enforcing their illegal rights, leading to escalated tension in the South China Sea. The discussions shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding the US-China rivalry in Asia and suggest potential future challenges for regional stability and international relations. It remains crucial to monitor how these tensions evolve under the new presidency of Donald Trump.