This monograph provides an understanding of China's actions in the South China Sea. China's rise is a product of its economy, and most importantly for US operational planners, the modernization of its military. This study posits that history plays a key role in shaping Chinese policies and actions in the South China Sea. The prevailing event in Chinese history that informs the reasoning behind recent aggressive behavior is the Chinese perception of a "century of humiliation," from 1839-1949. China believes it was subjected to a loss of territory, excessive indemnities, and a threat to its cultural identity as a result of its sovereignty being impinged. As a result, the current regime in China has reflected on its past as a guide for future relations regionally and internationally. The Chinese Communist Party has adopted a policy congruent with assuring its neighbors that its "rise" is peaceful and beneficial for the region. Conversely, the People's Liberation Army Navy has taken a more assertive stance in the region by aggressively confronting regional neighbors over the contested South China Sea. The aggressive behavior perpetrated by the People's Liberation Army Navy, poses a significant problem for US operational planners as several countries adjacent to the South China Sea have a formal defense treaty or an agreement for mutual defense. Although an approach to the problem requires significant diplomatic measures, US operational planners have several military options that come with some degree of associated risk.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)