China's Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea

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• published: 17 Sep 2013
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-- This video is part of the Council on Foreign Relations \"China\'s Maritime Disputes\" InfoGuide Presentation: http://cfr.org/chinasea -- Video: Preventative Measures: http://on.cfr.org/17xUJXJ Video: Crisis Management: http://on.cfr.org/HteSC8 The East and South China Seas are the scene of escalating territorial disputes between China and its neighbors, including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The tensions, shaped by China\'s growing assertiveness, have fueled concerns over armed conflict and raised questions about Washington\'s security commitments in its strategic rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region. \"Maritime disputes in the East and South China Seas are a pressing issue for the United States, China, and much of the rest of the world,\" says Elizabeth Economy, CFR\'s Director for Asia Studies. The region is rich in natural resources, home to many of the world\'s most dynamic economies, and an important global trade route for energy supplies and other goods. It is also a region in which power politics are at play and defense budgets are rising rapidly. As China\'s economic ascent facilitates growing military capabilities and assertiveness in both the East and South China Seas, other regional players are also experiencing their own rise in nationalism and military capability, and have exhibited greater willingness to stake territorial claims. Meanwhile, the U.S. \"pivot\" to Asia, involving renewed diplomatic activity and military redeployment, could signal Washington\'s heightened role in the disputes. If not managed wisely, these disputes could turn part of As...