ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the causes, processes and consequences of Sino–United States (US) maritime conflicts in the East and South China Seas, a topic that has recently gained great currency. All nations have a hierarchy of foreign policy priorities and make rational choices according to the perceived importance of varied national interests. The major powers are conscious of their policy behavior and its consequences on both domestic and global politics. The Asian maritime conflicts have presented a serious challenge for Zhongnanhai and the White House to manage their emerging collision course with Washington identifying China’s as a strategic rival and looming Sino–US trade war. Militarization has been a buzzword in Sino–US maritime quarrel. According to Professor Austin definitions, the word “militarize” range from giving an activity or organization a military character to a “process by which a society organizes itself for military conflict and violence.”.
