China, being a strong military and nuclear power, is strengthening its military presence in the South China Sea with the aim of asserting its rights to the disputed islands (Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, Scarborough Reef, Senkaku Archipelago). It is known that the water area of the South China Sea is of great strategic importance, because approximately 40% of world trade traffic passes through these sea routes, as well as through the Strait of Malacca, and up to 80% of Chinese oil and gas imports are transported. Moreover, the construction of bases in these territories would successfully resist the US military power (which, incidentally, is China's No. 1 rival in the Pacific) in a conflict using conventional means of armed struggle.
Experts believe that it is China that will lead the naval arms race in the near future. Also, having secured themselves de facto on the disputed islands and turning them into «unsinkable aircraft carriers», the Chinese authorities will be able to afford to ignore the opinion of other states, conducting a dialogue from a «position of power». But is this really so? Will China resolve issues using military methods, turning a blind eye to its policy of peaceful cooperation?
