Energy in the Waters: Understanding the Driver of China's Assertiveness in the South China Sea

Abstract

This paper situates the rising tension in the South China Sea within the framework of geostrategic attraction. With proved and probable deposits of abundance of energy resources in the South China Sea, in this case, oil and natural gas, China's assertiveness in the region has grown unprecedentedly. Buoyed by relatively steady economic performance enhanced by rapid industrialization, shifting social class status that breeds more of middle class, effective transportation system and enlarging manufacturing base, China seeks to address vulnerability trap inherent in oil dependence from foreign countries as oil becomes a critical lubricant to all these sectors. Oil and natural gas deposits in the South China Sea, therefore, is at the centre of China's claims and assertiveness in the South China Sea as it seeks solutions to foreign oil dependence. As mixed reactions continue to greet China's mixed strategies ” military, bilateralism and diplomacy in its engagement with other claimants and the United States, it is expected that China and other claimants should seek or continue to seek peaceful resolutions to the dispute which include but not limited to joint development of resources and adherence to Code of Conduct while the US accommodates China's interest without resorting to confrontation which comes with enormous destabilizing effect on the region.