South China Sea: expect more instability in 2021 as the US encourages ‘lawfare’ and conflict
2021-01-25 21:53:12 source：South China Morning Post
January 23, 2021
Last year saw the situation in the South China Sea deteriorate as the United States, other extra-regional powers and some littoral states made waves despite the global impact of Covid-19.
Four features stand out in the current situation. First, the “militarisation” of the South China Sea has intensified, spearheaded by the US and joined by other extra-regional countries. Second, references to the 2016 Hague ruling against China in the South China Sea have been revived, and a new round of legal tussles is about to begin.
Third, consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea have stalled due to unforeseen events and external interference. And, fourth, US-Vietnam interactions in the region carry clear strategic intentions aimed at China.
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