About this lecture series
Lectures of Opportunity (LOOs) offer 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.
Synopsis
Following the completion of China’s island-building campaign in the Spratly Islands and the start of negotiations on resource sharing and a code of conduct, Beijing has pushed a narrative that tensions have cooled and it is seeking a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to disputes with its neighbors. But evidence on the water contradicts this storyline and the risk of violent incidents in contested waters will likely increase in the years ahead. Beijing spent 2017 and 2018 constructing military infrastructure and deploying high-end platforms to its Spratly outposts. Meanwhile the numbers of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in the region has steadily increased, while its maritime militia forces have grown more brazen in intimidating Southeast Asian states. And while the situation on the water deteriorates, diplomatic efforts to negotiate a code of conduct or other agreements amount to less than meets the eye. The next few years will be critical if Beijing is to be convinced to alter its behavior, and the United States and partners have more tools at their disposal than is generally appreciated.