Mark J. Valencia
Mark J. Valencia is Adjunct Senior Scholar at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, Haikou, China.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Security,Hotspots,China
Mattis’ China Visit and Rising Tension in the South China Sea
In the run up to US Secretary of Defense James Mattis’ first visit to China from June 27-28, 2018, he said: “I want to go in without poisoning the well and do a lot of listening.” Well he certainly got an earful regarding the South China Sea.
Security,Hotspots,Southeast Asia
The Philippines’ Internal War Over the South China Sea: Idealists vs Realists
Security,Hotspots,China
US Policy in the South China Sea: Confusing the Possible with the Probable
Security,Hotspots,Southeast Asia
The South China Sea: Are Pundits and Politicians Pushing the US into War?
Over the past few years, bashing China for its policy and actions in the South China Sea has become quite common in the US foreign policy community. More recently, the criticism has become ever more strident and dangerous.
Security,Hotspots,Southeast Asia
The South China Sea: Realpolitik Does Indeed Trump Moralpolitik
In a recent posting in The Diplomat, Tuan N. Pham denies that realpolitik can triumph or has triumphed over moralpolitik and urges the US not to “back down” in the South China Sea.
Security,Hotspots,Southeast Asia
Are China-US Relations Entering a Dangerous New Phase in the South China Sea?
Most analysts agree that China and the US are locked in a seminal long-term struggle for dominance in Asia. A new and more dangerous phase in their troubled relationship may be beginning and one window on this dynamic is their behavior in the South China Sea.
Security,Hotspots,Southeast Asia
A “New Normal” in the South China Sea?
The US and China have apparently reached a tacit agreement to disagree and to maintain a leaky status quo, a “new normal.” Not coincidentally, relations on this issue between the ASEAN claimants and between ASEAN and China are more or less at the same place.
Security,Hotspots,China
The South China Sea Disputes: Will Taiwan’s Role Be Enhanced?
Taiwan’s interests and role in the South China Sea disputes have essentially been officially ignored. With the election of US President Donald Trump and appointment of John Bolton as National Security Advisor, its influence and involvement may increase substantially.
Security,Hotspots,Southeast Asia
The Philippines, China and the South China Sea
There is a growing protest over Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to downplay the Philippines international arbitration victory over China regarding the South China Sea. Although many of his policy decisions are problematic, in this case his decision has merit.
Security,Hotspots,Southeast Asia
The South China Sea: Scrutinizing Some Common US Assertions
As the Western media cacophony of assertions regarding the South China Sea imbroglio approaches a crescendo, it is a good time to pause and parse some of the more common and controversial ones.
