ABSTRACT
The fundamental theme of this chapter is to understand the background of the Asian Super Complex (ASC) theory that cemented the regional security architecture under the new security framework. The chapter highlights the new dynamics which are occurring in the South China Sea from the last two decades. The South China Sea (SCS) is the fulcrum of new strategic and military activities due to the availability of natural resources and the thriving maritime silk routes. The chapter analyses China’s territorial disputes with the ASEAN countries in the region. It focuses on China’s economic and maritime security concerns in the region. The chapter also examines the major powers involvement in the region such as the US, Japan, India, and Australia, and investigates China’s strategic lookout of external security threats and challenges in the South China Sea. It also analyses China’s new responses towards the new strategic dynamics in the region. The background of the chapter outlines China’s upcoming diplomatic and geostrategic efforts to increase its active involvement in the region.
