China and the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea

Abstract The parties vying for territories in the South China Sea need not fear China. Despite expanding its military presence in the South China Sea, China does not pose any palpable military threat to the region. On the contrary, a rich and strong China could be a stabilizing factor. Likewise, while there is no evidence to suggest that China, a country that depends on international trade to sustain its strategic interests globally, will interfere with the freedom of navigation as defined under customary international law in the South China Sea. However, as a proud nation with a long-established civilization it will not shy away from challenging what it considers to be unauthorized military activities in its maritime space that is within its national jurisdiction, the South China Sea included.