The American Factor and its Influence in the Disputes in South China Sea

　　Abstract: The return of the United States in Southeast Asian affairs ushers in new complexities into the maritime disputes in South China Sea. This article provides an account of the current state of affairs in the South China Sea and reviews the different legal interpretations each involved party in the disputes adopts in their approaches. The article also analyzes the U.S.’s interests in the disputes, its policy and their influences to the claimants. The US has provided support to Southeast Asian states-in particular Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia-towards their claims in the disputed area. These supports are to ensure that the open seas lanes of communication and maritime security in South China Sea. By examining the “U.S. factor,” it is clear that U.S.’s involvement is slowly transforming the disputes. Increasingly, the disputes are becoming more “multilateralized” and “internationalized.” This U.S. factor is posing challenges to China’s efforts at resolving the South China Sea issue.

　　Authors: He Zhigong, Research Professor, School of International Studies, Renmin University; 

　　An Xiaoping, Assistant Research Professor, Center for Asian Politics and Policy, the Clarewood Institute