Cooperation or Conflict: Perspectives on the South China Sea

Tensions over territorial claims continue to percolate in the South China Sea. Questions and concerns about China’s intentions and actions are hot topics in the Philippines and Vietnam. Can the U.S., given the stated intention to “rebalance to Asia,” play an important role in sorting out competing claims? To many, South China Sea disputes provide a test of U.S. commitments to the rebalance and also a case study for evaluating China’s commitment to a “peaceful rise.” Experts from the Philippines and Vietnam provide context.

About the Guests
Dr. Aileen Baviera is a Professor of Asian Studies at University of the Philippines, specializing on international politics and security in East Asia. She is also a Lecturer with the Foreign Service Institute, National Defense College of the Philippines and Director of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies.

Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan is Director-General of the Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies in the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. He previously served as Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, D.C. Prior to his embassy post, he was Deputy Director-General and Director of Research at the Hanoi-based Institute for International Relations.