U.S. Policy Shifts from Détente to Deterrence in the South China Sea

Dec 28, 2015 | Andrew Lam
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In geopolitics, when détente fails, it's time for deterrence, and nowhere more so than in the South China Sea. China's expansionist designs on the region's strategic shipping lanes and untapped natural resources are turning it into the next global hotspot. Last month, the U.S. - signaling its determination to assert its presence- sent one of its guided missile destroyers within 12 nautical miles of the Chinese-built artificial islands in the disputed Spratly archipelago. Beijing was so rattled it warned of a potential war.