Study On U.S. "Freedom Of Navigation Program" In The South China Sea And China's Countermeasures

Since the 21 st century,the U.S.government has repeatedly sent warships into waters within 12 nautical miles of China's South China Sea Island,and influence China's image through public opinion,while at the same time it has encouraged allies and other countries concerned to engage in military exercises and cruises near the South China Sea.These moves are important parts of its “Freedom of Navigation Program” around the world to curb “excessive maritime claims” against the U.S.So,what is America's “Freedom of Navigation Program”? Why is it being implemented in the South China Sea? What are the influences? How should China respond? This article will be discussed in four fronts.Chapter 1 discusses the background and development of the U.S.“Freedom of Navigation Program”.It is not an accidental decision,but a profound background in both the historical and practical reasons.In order to prevent the UNCLOS from having an adverse impact on the U.S.,the Carter administration launched the“Freedom of Navigation Program” to oppose other countries' “excessive maritime claims” and protect U.S.navigational interests.The “Freedom of Navigation Program” is an important part of the U.S.maritime policy,which has been inherited by successive governments since then,and has been supplemented and expanded.The expansion of is also in line with the development of America's global strategy.And the judgment of whether marine claims are “excessive” has always been based on American standards,and served its strategy of global domination.Chapter 2 analyzes the reasons and ways of the U.S.“Freedom of Navigation Program” in the South China Sea.There are three main reasons why the United States has launched the “Freedom of Navigation Program” in the South China Sea: first,the overall need of the Asia-Pacific strategy;second,challenging what it regards as China's “excessive maritime claims”;and third,protecting its economic and military interests.The U.S.government adopted a neutral and non-interventionist stance when the issue of sovereignty over the South China Sea was first raised,mainly served its strategy to contain the Soviet Union.While China's rapid rise and growing influencemade the U.S.consider its hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region even around the world was severely challenged.So,U.S.“Freedom of Navigation Program” implement in the South China Sea could strengthen America's military presence and deter China's rise.The Obama and Trump administrations have been intensively implementing the“Freedom of Navigation Program” in the South China Sea through a combination of using discourse power and taking military action,putting pressure on China.Chapter 3 explores the impact of the U.S.“Freedom of Navigation Program” in the South China Sea.The frequent military announcements,reconnaissance,cruises and exercises in the South China Sea have increased the possibility of a naval clash between China and the United States,and they are not conducive to China's national defense security and peaceful development.Also it has greatly affected China's foreign trade and energy security,which are closely related to economic development.At the same time,the U.S.has drawn and promoted other countries in the course of implementation,which has made other countries become supporters and participants in the program,or at least reinforced the awareness of the so-called “freedom of navigation problem” in the South China Sea,disrupting the stable and calm maritime order needed in the South China Sea region.Chapter 4 puts forward proposals for China's countermeasures.The U.S.“Freedom of Navigation Program” serves its country's overall strategy,therefore,China should also pay attention to the national overall strategy and take a long-term view when formulating countermeasures.First,in order to maintain the order of the South China Sea and to make all countries' activities law-abiding,China needs to promote domestic and international law-building.Internationally promote the refinement of international law and strengthen the improvement of our marine law system at home.Second,expand the channels of communication and enhance the international discourse right.China should give full play to the different roles of various media and form a systematic and holistic communication mechanism,and actively encourage non-governmental organizations to disseminate through public diplomacy.Third,China should strive to turn passivity into initiative and build a favorable international situation.Not only should we win consensus and build mutualtrust and cooperation with the countries around the South China Sea,but we should also promote the “Maritime community with a shared future” around the world-wide,and meanwhile control the conflict and strengthen maritime cooperation.Fourth,enhance the overall national strength.China should constantly expand naval power,ensure maritime safety and stability.To arouse the public's awareness and strengthen the construction of marine talents are strong backup force for the improvement of the maritime and even the comprehensive national strength.