The Malacca Strait, the South China Sea and the Sino-American Competition in the Indo-Pacific

Abstract

This article aims to highlight security dynamics of the US–China competition in the Indo-Pacific associated with the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea through the prism of Balance of Threat Theory. It is argued that the control over strategic lines of communication is a significant factor in the process of constructing threat perception of East and Southeast Asian states as they remain heavily reliant on maritime transportation of commodities and energy resources. The US navy is the major security provider in the maritime domain which makes China vulnerable to a potential naval blockade. China faces a double dilemma as the status quo is interpreted as potentially detrimental to its interests, but any attempts to undermine it are likely to prompt Asian states to join US balancing efforts. China’s geographical proximity, its rising military power and revisionist tendencies make the US the more desirable security partner to the region.