Pax Sinica and Regional Maritime Order in the Spratlys

Michael Richardson's article on the geopolitics of energy in the South China makes interesting reading. His major thesis is that China now has the military means to enforce claims in the hydrocarbon-rich South China Sea. This could spell trouble for the region because Beijing could pose a security threat to the region and other ASEAN dialogue partners.

His assertion is premised on China's military build-up in the South China Sea. The development of the naval base at Sanya in Hainan (reportedly able to house forty submarines), the large military expenditure and the willingness of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to openly challenge unauthorized U.S. military presence in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have been cited by many as reasons to fear China.

As a long-time critic of China's military policy in the South China Sea, I am no longer convinced by the usual stereotype of viewing China as a threat to regional maritime security.

Over the years China's interest in Southeast Asia has changed. It is no longer interested in subverting the region. On the contrary, China counts on Southeast Asian states as regional allies, an important market for its manufactured products and a source of capital and primary commodities like rubber and palm oil. While many in Southeast Asia may still be suspicious of China's political motives, the younger generation has little memory of China's hostile past and most would embrace China as a friendly economic powerhouse.

The failure to recognize changes in China's geopolitical outlook, its economic prowess and its desire to be involved in the mainstream of international politics and participate in bigger issues in international relations like its role in the current economic downturn has blinded many. Many are stuck with the old-China mentality. It is time to embrace a new China that is fast becoming an economic superpower whose financial resources can make a difference in the current economic downturn.