| There are two issues that have raised concerns over the South China Sea's security environment: Beijing's continuing aggressiveness and the high occurrence of piracy involving Chinese nationals. Close analysis allows for a connection to be made regarding these issues.;As experienced during early modern Europe, non-state means of violence have often been manipulated by sovereigns for the furtherance of state goals. The commissioning of pirates as privateers strategically complemented (or at times supplemented) naval capabilities in cases of unfavourable political and military conditions.;China may not be actively employing pirates to extend its maritime ambitions and policy; however, by intentionally turning a blind eye on the growth of these activities, Beijing facilitates the presence of Chinese nationals in these waters. This allows for a greater chance at securing de-facto jurisdiction over the South China Sea in the future. |
