David R. Stilwell

A More Active Neutrality: the Need for a Long Range U. S. Security Strategy in the South China Sea David R. Stilwell

The United States has multiple discernable, but often times conflicting, interests in Asia. Focusing on the South China Sea territorial disputes, these conflicting interests become very clear and the importance of a coherent, long-term policy even clearer. First, the U. S. needs to promote peace in the region, ensuring access to commercial shipping upon which its allies in Northeast Asia depend, and affording passage for U. S. military deployments to the region and beyond. Next, the U. S. has strong interests in bolstering the security of its treaty partners in the region, such as the Republic of the Philippines. Finally, the U. S. needs to continue to engage China, to build a positive and productive relationship, and to do what it can to ensure China acts responsibly where its interests overlap those of the U. S.