CHINA COERCIVE DIPLOMACY THROUGH SOUTH CHINA SEA CONFLICT AND BELT & ROAD INITIATIVES

Abstract

This paper studies China coercive diplomacy by first analyzing the South China Sea (SCS) issue from the perspective of China national interest which has Belt & Road Initiatives (BRI) political agenda (formerly known as OBOR). Through BRI, China will be a counterweight to the world economic power in countering US hegemony. This paper aims to describe the coercive form of China diplomacy which has been implemented through both phenomena and to analyze China coercive diplomacy using theory and relevant concept. To achieve those goals, this paper employs qualitative research method as well as national interest and neorealism theory. The findings of this paper suggest that, in reflection of China-Sri Lanka bilateral experience, BRI is one of debt-track diplomacy of China commodities in maintaining energy and economy security. This paper is expected to be one of the studies about South China Sea which can see BRI more in the opportunities it brings.

Security–Energy Nexus in Indonesia’s Border: The Case of Natuna

“…In 2010, the Chinese government claimed a veto over oil and gas activities in the South China Sea waters. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, China is perceived as more assertive, evidenced by the very active role of the military in the country's foreign policy today (Pitra, 2018;Sinaga, 2020).…”

Cyberwarfare between the United States and China 2014 -2022: in Retrospect

“…Other research shows that China has a policy that leads to coercive diplomacy through the South China Sea dispute and the Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are other avenues taken by China to support its steps in the context of defense and security (Pitra, 2019). Meanwhile, the U.S. has other efforts to promote the U.S. security interests in the Indo-Pacific region, one of which is through the U.S. alliance network which in this context is carried out with Australia.…”