Securitization of the China South Sea and the New Silk Road Chinese foreign policy

Abstract

This paper seeks to argue about the possibilities of securitization of the South China Sea by China, from the expansion of Chinese foreign policy as well as for its New Silk Road initiative. To this end, the historical background of conflicts in the region is investigated in order to understand the drivers of the actors involved for the domination of the region. In addition, the issues of securitization theorized by the Copenhagen School are addressed, and the characteristics that make the South China Sea strategic to the expansion of Chinese foreign policy are emphasized. And finally, after understanding the historical background as well as the strategic value of the region, we seek to understand the new initiatives of Chinese foreign policy, entering into its expansion through the New Silk Road and its objectives. The article is based on a literature review of international relations theorists, as well as on the analysis of official documents and treaties of international organizations involving the South China Sea region.