Trump change ‘points to calmer waters’ on South China Sea horizon
Tensions in disputed waters expected to ease during transition in top US office and with Beijing’s improved regional ties, analysts say
The transition to a new administration in Washington and stronger ties between Beijing and Southeast Asian nations are expected to calm waters in the troubled South China Sea in the near term, observers said.
Following Republican Donald Trump’s win in last week’s US presidential election, the present US administration headed by Barack Obama is expected to focus on domestic concerns and might not take tough action in the disputed waters, the analysts said.
Before the next US president comes into power, the South China Sea will be at least temporarily peaceful
The recent warming in ties between China and some of the South China Sea’s other claimants had also lowered tensions.
Wu Shicun, head of the government-affiliated National Institute for South China Sea Studies, said the transition would be a period of calm. “Before the next US president comes into power, the South China Sea will be at least temporarily peaceful,” Wu said.
Tensions over the waters have escalated over the years, with the Philippines taking the dispute to an international tribunal in The Hague, and Beijing condemning US freedom of navigation operations in the area.
In July, the tribunal rejected Beijing’s historical claims to the South China Sea. Beijing has refused to recognise the ruling but ties between China and several claimant states have warmed since the Hague decision.