Oceans - South China Sea Conflict CS Flashcards
Why is naval supremacy important to the political and economic ambitions of countries?
- wish to expand sphere of influence
- control over trading routes
- exert power into oceans
how many US military bases are there throughout the world
700
what is the sphere of influence
- an area of territory beyond a countries national boarders over which it feels it should have power but without having any formal authority there
who does China see as economic competitors
- South Korea
- Japan
what’s the conflict in the South China Sea
- numerous dispute islands between China, Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia
what did Ukraine and Georgia do to anger Russia
Ukraine and Georgia wanted to join the EU, which lead to Russian invasions
why is India concerned about chinas projection of power
- potential Chinese bases are in countries such as Pakistan, with which India doesn’t have good relations with
why is it vital for china to have a presence from a blue water navy in the indian ocean
The trade routes, Persian gulf and, Suez Canal so they can retain strategic interest
to what extent is chinas blue water navy a current threat
- not substantial enough to support Chinese military power
how much natural gas is in the south Chinese sea
190 trillion feet
how much oil in the south Chinese sea
11 billion barrels
what proportion of fisheries are in the South China Sea
10%
what proportion of trade routes in the South china sea
30%
what has china established to cement claims
- 9 dashed line > based on historical factors
-Sansha City -> artificially man-made island -> claim territory
how much is the area worth to the US economy
$1.2 trillion
why is US strategically involved in this area
- important trading location
- allies like South Korea and Taiwan > safeguard
what military base is the strongest in then region
the seventh fleet based in Japan
what does FONOP stand for
Freedom of Navigation Operations
what are the purposes of FONOPs
one of the principle tools by which the US challenges maritime claims deemed excessive under international law
who clashed over the Paracels and Spratlys
- china and vietnam
- from 1974 - 1988
how many Vietnamese personnel were killed because the china and vietnam feud?
130
why is threat of “hot war” between China and the USA unlikely
USA have overpowering military and more naval bases
what do the US do to monitor action over the South China Sea
sail military aircraft carriers through it
what are the purposes of foreign military bases
used to drive interactions with other countries
