China’s Security Concerns in South China Sea: Its Implications on Regional Security

Abstract

This article aims to studies the security concerns of China with regards to the South China Sea and their implications for regional security. The South China Sea is a region of strategic significance where China has its territorial claims that affect the security of the region. Maritime boundary and resource disputes have increased tensions, which in turn have affected China's security policies and regional stability. China’s security concerns in the South China Sea are analysed qualitatively in this article using geopolitical, military and diplomatic sources. The South China Sea’s security issues are thus tied to resource control, strategic access and territorial disputes. As a result tensions with both regional neighbours and International powers have escalated due to the growing military presence and maritime assertiveness. To resolve the matters a multilateral dialogue framework involving all stakeholders in addition to confidence building measures is necessary for the strengthening of stability and the avoidance of escalation.