Why the U S Wants to Pivot to Asia Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1398 words ( 5 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 10

Page 1 of 5

China in the South China Sea

The geopolitical and economic consequences of China's occupation of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea can perhaps best be measured the West's (or simply Washington's) response to China's move. As Durden notes, the South China Sea is not just important to China; it is important to Washington, too, which is accused of "militarizing the region" by the Chinese. But this is essentially what the U.S. is accusing China of, while Japan meanwhile claims that China is siphoning natural gas from its side of the "economic zone" (Durden). Thus, by building islands and runways in the Spratlys and expanding itself in the South China Sea, China is provoking a host of reactions from other nations (Western or Western-supported), indicating that there is a serious economic and geopolitical clash at hand over this issue. The main economic consequence coming from the U.S. will be the threat of sanctions (an act of war) and the main geopolitical consequence will be an attempt by the "Empire of Chaos" (Escobar Empire of Chaos) to destabilize the region through revolution, regime change, military posturing, and military junta (as happens all too frequently in the Middle East) (Butool 1005).

The Spratly Islands are an important strategic geopolitical position for China, situated as they are south of Hong Kong and between the Philippines and Vietnam. The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) notes that as far as Chinese President Xi Jinping is concerned, the "assertive" move by China is because of the nation's strong commitment "to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and security, and defending territorial integrity" ("China's Maritime Disputes"). The region is rich in vital resources like natural gas and hydrocarbons, so it is no surprise that various countries should want to have a presence there, including China. The "pivot to Asia" by the U.S., however, comes with a banner of diplomacy backed by a machine gun -- so the accusation of Pentagon militarism by China is not completely undeserved (Escobar).

Stuck Writing Your "Why the U S Wants to Pivot to Asia" Essay?

View All Our Example Why the U S Wants to Pivot to Asia Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

Even the CFR admits that disputes in the South China Seas "if not managed wisely, could turn part of Asia's maritime regions from thriving trade channels into arenas of conflict" ("China's Maritime Disputes"). That would be par for the course for the U.S., which should be given a Nobel Prize for Chaos.

The Philippines are conducting military exercises alongside the U.S., which, of course, sells weapons of war to the Philippine Islands (Xu). Because the South China Sea is a major sea lane for oil transports, access to and control of the region is of major importance for any "super power" seeking to expand its hegemony. Thus, control of the South China Sea offers major economic and geopolitical power. By building in the Spratlys, China is illustrating its own clout. By "pivoting" to Asia, the U.S. is demonstrating its. The consequences are clear: either the two super powers will have to learn to share the world's sea lanes and resources -- or war will soon break out.

Essentially, China believes that the disputes in the South China Sea should be settled by China and her neighbors -- not by the U.S. sticking its nose in yet another region it wishes to dominate (Escobar "The South China Sea Word War"). Because China is an economic partner with all the emerging markets in Southeast Asia (they depend on China, in other words), few are willing to question or concern themselves with China's positioning. Other than the Philippines (whose strings are pulled by the U.S.), none of them have protested in any international court of law (King). Thus, it is safe to say that the U.S. pivot is a power….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Why The U S Wants To Pivot To Asia" (2015, September 25) Retrieved June 4, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/u-s-wants-pivot-asia-2154665

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Why The U S Wants To Pivot To Asia" 25 September 2015. Web.4 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/u-s-wants-pivot-asia-2154665>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Why The U S Wants To Pivot To Asia", 25 September 2015, Accessed.4 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/u-s-wants-pivot-asia-2154665
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example