America's Seapower Strategy In The SCS And The SCS Dispute

Seapower plays an indispensable role when the U.S.pursuits and maintains hegemony.Nowadays,Seapower still is one of vital means for maintaining its interests around the world.For a long time,after the U.S.arranged the strategy of seapower in the Asia-Pacific,it's seapower has also been virtually set in the South China Sea waters.If the U.S.seapower set in the South China Sea was unconscious before the end of world war II,then,the U.S.reconstruct its seapower in the South China Sea under the Asia-Pacific "rebalancing" strategy,which strengthens its seapower in the South China Sea is undoubtedly conscious,and purposeful.The reconstruction of seapower in the South China Sea is a strategic choice for situation's changes in the Asia-Pacific.After 9.11 event,the U.S.paid less strategic attention to Asia-Pacific.As a result,the situation that has changed in the Asia-Pacific is unfavorable to the U.S..So,the U.S.has gradually shifted its strategic concern to the Asia-Pacific.In this context,the South China Sea disputes has become the entry point for the U.S.involving in Asia-Pacific affairs.The U.S.has taken considerate measures concerning the South China Sea disputes,among these measures,seapower has played a fundamental role.Although the U.S.has set seapower in the South China Sea historically,in the view of the U.S.government,they can't effectively exert its influence on the South China Sea disputes with it.Therefore,the U.S.needs to actively reconstruct the seapower in the South China Sea.This paper takes the U.S.seapower reconstruction in the South China Sea as the starting point,and the sea power theory as the theoretical framework for analysis.So,we can understand the U.S.seapower reconstruction in the South China Sea profoundly,then put forward the relevant and practical policy suggestions.In the first chapter,firstly,this chapter examines the seapower theory which is the foundation of the article.Since Mahan put forward the seapower theory at 1890,the seapower theory gradually has a broader spectrum,the concrete content has also been quietly changed,after 100 years.This article interprets the history of the seapower theory in chronological order.This article argues that the way of obtaining seapower through traditional maritime operations,which is emphasized during the era of Mahan is out of date.The theme of the 21st century is peace and development.Therefore,the seapower of the 21st century is more focus on the control of the littoral,the diplomacy role of seapower,the relationship between seapower and law,and so on.Secondly,according to the historical turning point,this article sorts out the evolution of the U.S.seapower strategy,which is the foundation for next chapter sorting out the history of the U.S.seapower layout in the South China sea.On the basis of examining the seapower theory and the history of the U.S.seapower strategy in the first chapter,the second chapter combines the seapower with the South China Sea to define the strategic position and seapower significance of the South China Sea and sort out the history of the seapower in the South China Sea.Firstly,it is necessary to define the value of the South China Sea under the Mahanism that defines a place whether has strategic value,which has practical significance for defining the elements of seapower.Secondly,the reconstruction of U.S.seapower in the South China Sea isn't groundless,but is built on the history of the U.S.seapower in the South China Sea.Therefore,this chapter sorts out the evolution of the U.S.seapower in the South China Sea upon the history of the U.S.seapower strategy.The first and second chapter study the theory and history,which are associated with the third chapter that studies the reconstruction of the U.S.seapower in the South China Sea.According to the seapower theory after the end of cold war,this chapter focuses on the background of the reconstruction,contents and influence of the seapower in the South China Sea.The reconstruction is inextricably related with the Asia-Pacific"rebalancing" strategy.To some extent,the reconstruction is subordinate to the Asia-Pacific "rebalancing" strategy.The reconstruction is mainly embodied in three aspects:enhancing forward presence;consolidating the military alliance,strengthening the partnership with certain countries;using institutional tools,such as freedom of navigation.These measures make full use of the seapower theory,such as,littoral control enhances forward presence;the naval diplomacy plays a actively role,such as actively carrying out military exercises;the role of military alliance is been used;and the tool of International Ocean Law play is also been used.Finally,after analyzing the reconstruction of U.S.seapower in the South China Sea,this chapter figures out the influence caused by the reconstruction.Finally,this paper returns to the settlement of the South China Sea disputes.the analysis of the reconstruction of the U.S.seapower in the South China Sea is fto understand the South China Sea disputes comprehensively and profoundly,and thus put forward corresponding suggestions.This article argues that,firstly,we should pave the way for the resolution of the South China Sea disputes,so we should reduce the strategic doubts between the Sino-US from the macro level.Secondly,concerning the South China Sea disputes,China should effectively maintain its rights and stability.These measures above would provide a favorable external environment for the resolution of the South China Sea disputes.In the fact,the settlement of the South China Sea disputes must rely on China and relevant claimants.So,finally the article argues that China should promote friendly relationship with relevant claimants/ASEAN.