Disputed Boundaries: Assuring Access to the South China Sea

摘要

Operations in the South China Sea present significant challenges with regard to each of the operational factors associated with joint military operations (time, space, and force). Several barriers exist that would deny access to joint forces and allies. Additionally, the United Nations Convention for Law of the Sea establishes baseline conventions for territorial boundaries and exclusion zones in the waters and airspace surrounding coastal nations. China, however, disagrees with the United States regarding the baselines established by Law of the Sea. As a result, several incidents involving PRC and U.S. aircraft and vessels have occurred outside recognized territorial waters/airspace. Options are available to joint forces to overcome anti-access challenges in the South China Sea across all phases of conflict (peace and wartime). U.S. Pacific Command and allied forces must understand the barriers to operations in the South China Sea and make use of all options available to guarantee access in support of the full Range of Military Operations (ROMO).