The military dispute in the South China Sea, a view from youth perspective.

During Trump's presidency, the United States and China have been at intense physiological war “trade war” and “mindset clashes” when US President Donald Trump accused China of exploitation economic plays. several presidents have been changed for a decade in dealing with the existing issues. Several political figures entered the white house and confronted its rivalry “China”. In early phrase of the 21st century, the world has faced the newly rising Super Great Power, in particular, military, economic, and diplomacy powers. Having seen the military modernization of China, it has prompted international discontent and disagreement over the issues. South China Sea has brought the US attention since the disputed vicinity contains major US allies partners, where the US military bases stationed for its military and civilian purposes. South China Sea is an essential role for the US to maintain regional peace and stability.

After Deng Xiaoping made a dramatic reform in China, shifting from socialist economic style to neo-liberal capitalism where trades, investments and free-markets are key successes of China’s today. The transformations altered a remarkable trend for the Chinese economy in the 21st century, making China from the subsistence economy to one of the largest exporter and importer and became the major competitor against the US. Recently, the world has sighted a rapid development of the Chinese military in the region namely the South China Sea. Member states of ASEAN such as Vietnam and the Philippines are ramping up their voices against Chinese a in the activities South China Sea.

The construction of artificial Islands, military installations have sparked the regional dispute among ASEAN member states. The radar system, anti-aircraft missile and other military equipment to safeguard Chinese airspace and water, which appears on satellite images. The United States tosses its anxiety over China’s military assertiveness in the South China Sea. Thus, immediate action is necessary to uphold regional security via engage regional balancing and stabilizing regional stability.

The conflicted parties of ASEAN member states are in missile range of China missile strike, which provokes security concern in the proximity. In addition to that, PLA developed a specific missile (DF-21) to target the US aircraft carrier. Dong Feng-21 or DF-21, a mobile-launcher ballistic missile, was manufactured to primarily target the US aircraft carrier in the South China Sea. However, the US aircraft carrier does not sail alone in the South China Sea, she sails along with other destroyers, frigates, submarines and more. This combination of this type of group is called the “Carrier Strike Group”. In response to China missiles, The US Navy uses SM-6 or Standard Missile 6, to intercept an incoming ballistic missile. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force also possess SM-6 missiles to counter North Korean Nuclear missile as well as China ballistic missile strike. The missile interceptors have proven a high rate of interceptions against the incoming ballistic missile.

The growing air sorties of the Chinese air force have made a significant impact on regional security. It also prompted international response as the United States rightfully involves in the disputed water. The US Navy made it clear that its military and reconnaissance operations in the South China Sea are acted in according to the international maritime law “UNCLOS”. Although the Vietnam war was a bloody war between the US and Vietnam, Vietnam has sought military assistance from the US as its vital ally to reflex its muscle against China. Security cooperation between Vietnam and American is at a certain level where these states can trust each other in an event of a conflict. The US military bases are located in the Philippines, which is a strategic location for the US to provide logistic support and support supplies to the US naval fleet and air squadron to conduct its routine operation.

To reduce the ongoing tension, I believe that the contending parties shall put great effort through non-violence negotiation to avoid heat exchange from each other. Clearwater boundary needs to establish to avoid territorial discord, which is possible that may lead to the use of force. However, the US does not directly involve in the area, should thoroughly monitor the situation in lawful means to prevent the risk of confrontation.

https://thediplomat.com/2014/01/china-secretly-sold-saudi-arabia-df-21-missiles-with-cia-approval/

Navy ships assemble off the coast of Hawaii during the Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.in July. (U.S. Navy photo)

NOTE: This article does not represent any individual or any organization. This article is written on personal understandings of the regional conflict.

TEK David is a Year 4 student of the Department of International Studies at the Institute of Foreign Languages. David graduated from SETEC Institute majoring in Management Information System (MIS).