China’s Escalating Aggression in the South China Sea: A Call for U.S.Action
Recent years have witnessed a dramatic escalation in China’s assertiveness in the South China sea, a region fraught with geopolitical tension. Onc known for its relatively passive stance, China has now adopted a far more aggressive posture, employing tactics that range from shadowing vessels to outright attacks. Shaky footage of Chinese Coast Guard vessels or fishing boats using water cannons, ramming attacks, and even hatchets against Philippine vessels has become alarmingly common. This shift in behavior underscores China’s campaign to solidify its dominance in the region,a move that threatens to undermine the United States’ global influence.
The Tools of Chinese Aggression
China wields three primary forces to assert control in the South china Sea: the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the chinese Coast Guard (CCG), and the People’s armed Force Maritime Militia (PLAFMM). While the PLAN remains a formidable presence, it is indeed the latter two forces that have been instrumental in China’s encroachment on the sovereignty of neighboring nations. Chinese vessels frequently violate the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of other countries, harass vessels exercising freedom of navigation rights, and even attack resupply missions to remote island outposts. In some cases, territory has been outright seized. The primary targets of this aggression have been the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan, but no nation in the region is immune.
The Rise of Asymmetric Tactics
China’s strategy in the South china Sea is rooted in asymmetric tactics, a method of achieving diplomatic, informational, military, and economic objectives without resorting to outright military conflict. These tactics, which include the use of law-enforcement forces and plausibly deniable entities like the Chinese fishing militia, are employed to intimidate and control without escalating to war. China’s success in this “gray zone” stems from its willingness to undertake actions below the threshold of war, often against nations that lack the capacity to respond effectively.
American assets, by contrast, have generally maintained a hands-off approach during these standoffs, a stance that has only emboldened China. Recent incidents, such as CCG personnel brandishing bladed weapons against Philippine military personnel, highlight the growing brazenness of Chinese actions. This escalation cannot continue unchecked.
A Different Approach with the U.S.
Interestingly, China’s behavior shifts dramatically when encountering the United States. While chinese vessels may cut off or shadow American ships, they have refrained from the near-kinetic tactics employed against smaller nations. Encounters between the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard and Chinese forces have been described as “professional,” a stark contrast to the aggression displayed elsewhere.
This restraint stems from China’s fear of provoking a direct confrontation with the United States. American naval forces are far less susceptible to the bullying tactics that China employs against its neighbors. The U.S. has demonstrated its willingness to respond decisively to provocations, as seen in its dealings with Iran, which employs similar tactics in the Middle East but lacks China’s restraint.
The Need for a Proactive U.S. Presence
To counter china’s growing influence, the United States must adopt a more proactive stance in the South China Sea. This does not necessarily require a heavy-handed military presence; even the deployment of unmanned or lightly manned assets could serve as a deterrent. The mere presence of an American-flagged vessel or aircraft sends a clear message: if China pushes too far, the United States will respond.
Such a strategy would not only deter Chinese aggression but also reassure regional allies that the U.S. stands ready to support them. Failure to act risks emboldening China further, perhaps leading to a kinetic confrontation that could spark a broader regional conflict.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Chinese forces | PLAN, CCG, PLAFMM |
| Primary Targets | Philippines, Vietnam, Japan |
| Tactics | Water cannons, ramming, bladed weapons, EEZ violations |
| U.S. Response | Professional encounters, but limited presence |
| Recommended Action | Increased U.S. presence to deter aggression and support allies |
The United States must act decisively to prevent China from becoming the dominant power in the Pacific. A more assertive military presence is not just a strategic necessity—it is a moral imperative to protect the sovereignty of nations in the South China Sea.
The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force Academy, the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. PA#: USAFA-DF-2025-3.
