Accession Number:

AD1105391

Title:

Looking to the Atlantic to Balance the Pacific: Expanding NATO Partnerships to the South China Sea

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

NAVAL WAR COLLEGE NEWPORT RI NEWPORT United States

Personal Author(s):

• Thorne, John G.

Report Date:

2020-05-14

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

A rising China presents a challenge that can only be met by creating a new international regime based on respect for international law in the South China Sea. To counter Chinas aggressive behavior, this regime must have a global perspective. Therefore, it is imperative for NATO to develop long-delayed, dedicated, formal partnerships with Chinas regional competitors in the South China Sea. Based on an assessment of military and informational capabilities, Indonesia and Vietnam are shown to be the two most critical partner states for this effort. This is illustrated by highlighting how both countries are economically dedicated, militarily relevant, and possess the internal stability to benefit from this partnership. Similarly, both states have unique information capabilities and the will to effectively counter Chinese strategic messaging regarding their illegal claims and activities in the region. Finally, counterarguments that perceived NATO expansion into the Pacific will create a Russian reaction or support a negative post-colonialism narrative are shown to be unfounded.

Descriptors:

• indonesia
• china
• international organizations
• military budgets
• economics
• intergovernmental organizations
• islands
• agreements
• national politics
• nato
• law
• political science
• international relations
• international law
• national security

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE