A decision announced recently to implement regulations on enforcement of China’s jurisdiction over vessels using waters in the South China Sea raises concern over a confrontation that might start with Filipino, Vietnamese, or other fishing boats accustomed to using these waters and involve powers with a strong interest in stability and navigation, notably the United States. The decision was condemned as “provocative and potentially dangerous” by the State Department spokesperson and came on the heels of China’s abrupt announcement of an Air Defense Information Zone (ADIZ) over the disputed East China Sea, with the ambassador in Manila saying a zone could come over the South China Sea. The United States and its allies strongly condemned the Chinese move, and Secretary of State John Kerry in Manila warned Beijing against declaring a zone in the South China Sea.¹ Barack Obama’s “rebalance” seeks to expand US influence, calm tensions and engage as well as compete with China. He has agreed with Xi Jinping to pursue a “new type of great power relations.” Repeated Chinese assertiveness over territorial disputes tests US leadership in the region.

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