ABSTRACT
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea have intensified in recent years. These are taking place at a time of major shift in the regional balance of power, emerging great-power rivalry between China and the United States, and growing salience of maritime resources in national economic wellbeing and prosperity. China is a major contender for what it believes its rightful claims to the vast span of waters and features in the South China Sea. China's growing assertiveness in its maritime claims must be placed in the broader context of the changing regional geostrategic environments. This chapter addresses Beijing's challenges in both handling territorial disputes in order to maintain stable relationships with its Southeast Asian neighbours and managing increasingly complex ties with the region's reigning power, the United States. The disputes over territorial claims have so far resulted in two military clashes between China and Vietnam.
