THE FOREIGN POLICY BRIEF
BROOKINGS
Keeping the South China Sea
in Perspective
Jeffrey Bader, Kenneth Lieberthal, and Michael McDevitt
August 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The South China Sea disputes involve the interests of the United States, particularly with...
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THE FOREIGN POLICY BRIEF
BROOKINGS
Keeping the South China Sea
in Perspective
Jeffrey Bader, Kenneth Lieberthal, and Michael McDevitt
August 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The South China Sea disputes involve the interests of the United States, particularly with regard
to freedom of navigation, international norms and law, relations with important partners and
allies, and the expectation of the peaceful resolution of disputes. China’s rising power and capabilities make PRC actions more consequential and unsettling than those of others, so they deserve
particular attention but need to be evaluated in the broader context of the motives and actions of
others as well.
American policymakers should consider the South China Sea in terms of how most effectively to
address the problems so as to achieve the goals of diminishing tensions, preventing the use of military force by all parties, protecting the lawful rights of the international community, encouraging
steps to reconcile the various claimants,
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