The Philippines and the Future of Unarmed Conflict in the South China Sea
After the Philippines initiated UNCLOS Annex VII Arbitration proceedings in 2013, China embarked on an accelerated campaign to enforce its excessive territorial and maritime claims. Diverse activities of military, para-military, and civilian character but all falling just short of the overt use of force in international law were brought to bear against the Philippines and other Southeast Asian claimants. This presentation reviews the range and diversity of activities experienced and observed thus far, and tries to anticipate the directions they will take in the near future. It will consider how these “grey zone activities” are carrying out China’s so-called “cabbage strategy”, and discuss how the Philippine-US security alliance needs to prepare for and deter “unarmed conflict” in the South China Sea.
About this Lecture
Lectures of Opportunity offers U.S. Naval War College (NWC) students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to learn more about national and international socio-political subjects that may be of relevance to the NWC community.
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