US Coast Guard will counter China in South-east Asia

Subject

US Coast Guard's aims in South-east Asia.

Significance

As part of US President Donald Trump’s push for full-spectrum competition with China, the US Coast Guard (USCG) has been tasked with a more active role in the western Pacific. The United States promotes ‘freedom of navigation’ in the South China Sea, waters in which there are conflicting claims between China, Taiwan and several South-east Asian countries.

Impacts

• China’s ability to coerce South-east Asian claimants in the South China Sea will grow as its navy and coast guard deploy more vessels there.
• As ASEAN’s chair for 2020, Vietnam will try to push back against Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea while maintaining ASEAN unity.
• Negotiations next year between ASEAN and China for a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea in will be impeded by contentious issues.