As a comic-book fan, I’ve always been curious about who might win in a battle between DC’s Justice League and Marvel’s Avengers. The heroes of Justice League and Avengers possess superhuman powers and when either one of them are called on (or turn up) in an emergency, they usually win and are the hero of the day. A battle between these superpowers could, however, be devastating and a fight between these groups of heroes could see one of them labelled as a villain.
Like these comic-book heroes, the real-life ‘superpowers’ of China and the US can be seen to have an inordinate impact as they engage in disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. In a continuation of the comic-book analogy, the smaller states of these regions are the ordinary people who are affected—some directly, others indirectly—and at the same time trying their best to control the situation.
While there are many participants to the claims and disputes over these waters, it is how the superpowers engage that ultimately has the greatest impact.
So what should these smaller states—the comic-books' ordinary citizens—do to ensure that they can survive the battle between the superpowers?
The disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea are characterised by ‘cat and mouse games’, with each claimant state deploying its coast guard vessels, ships and aircraft on disputed waters and inevitably being seen by other claimants as a provocation.
The situation in the East China Sea in particular remains dynamic and fragile. With a small number of powerful states involved—including South Korea and Japan—there is a high risk of military confrontation.
The South China Sea dispute is similarly risky, but has additional layers of complexity. It is crucial to China and others in the region as an important trading route. China’s claim over the South China Sea is based on the ‘nine-dash line’, named after nine marks on a 1947 map, but the claim has little historical basis and is not recognized internationally. There are also six other claimants over various areas, as well as other military and commercial traffic through the region. Recent military activity by China that it terms ‘routine training’ is seen as a threat by smaller states, and some disputes have led to military skirmishes including casualties.
There are different perspectives concerning China’s ‘rise’. The realist view is that China’s assertion of power is a threat to the existing order, while the liberalist view is that, with its newfound power, it is China’s role to uphold world peace through cooperation.
Combining aspects of both the realist and liberalist views, US President Biden and the US Congress have maintained the Trump administration’s posture on China and the South China Sea. The US rejects China’s claims in the South China Sea and views it as an antagonistic actor that needs to be deterred, while also stressing US commitments to international initiatives and seeking to promote an ‘open’ world – politically, economically and socially. Despite some stated decrease in global affairs, the US Navy continues to operate in the contested areas of the South China Sea and East China Sea in order to preserve freedom of navigation in East Asia’s contested waters.
Meanwhile China’s President Xi Jinping continues the development policy of his predecessor, Hu Jintao. This policy emphasises soft power to, as China states, ‘correct’ ‘misperceptions’ about China’s rise and its activities in the South China Sea, asserting that China does not threaten other nations. This narrative further posits that a ‘China threat theory’ is the product of the US and its allies and is driven by US fear that China is challenging US global dominance and will replace the it as the dominant player in East Asia. Indeed, President Xi’s bold message to the US on China's rising power at the Boao Forum Asia conference demonstrated that China already considers itself the region’s main power. Xi wants the Biden administration to accept China as an equal player in addressing global challenges, not only as an emerging superpower.
The presence of the US in the region will remain the principal counterweight to a more powerful China. The US has strong political and strategic relationships with some claimant states in the region including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. These countries are important to the US because of their potential as staging points for the US military forces in the region, as well as shared political interests and views. For some ASEAN claimant states such as Malaysia and Vietnam, however, human rights is an ongoing point of contention with the US, and is a key reason why they avoid establishing a formal alliance with the US.
There are many regional players involved in the maritime territorial disputes in relation to overlapping claims, particularly the Senkaku/Diaoyu and Dokdo/Takeshima Islands in the East China Sea, and the Spratly and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. But above all of these, the most influential factor in this contest is the relationship between the US and China. The future of these disputes will largely depend on how these two superpowers choose to engage with each other, and others in the region.
My research paper on this issue examines a number of case studies, each selected due to their ongoing importance in the international politics and economics of East Asia, and their importance to the US-China relationship in the region. While there are varying factors such as politics, power, economics and leadership, in each case the disputed claims are actively contested in waters that are heavily used for military and commercial purposes. The overlapping claims in the East China Sea and South China Sea remain potential flashpoints for conflict and rely on the complex relations between China and the US in determining the outcome.
If these two superpowers choose to behave as the superheroes each purports to be—like the Avengers and Justice League—they can maintain peace in east and Southern Asia, protecting the ‘ordinary citizens’ of the region.
Committing to peace and cooperation is, however, complex in the challenging broader bilateral relationship between the US and China.
If the superheroes focus instead primarily on their own interests, without fully considering the impact on other countries in the region, one or both of them may instead turn out to be an evil super-villain, like DC's Steppenwolf or Marvel's Thanos.
Superhero or super-villain – the choice is theirs.
Major Rose A. Ibrahim Sukri is an officer of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. She was a Fellow in the inaugural ASEAN Military Fellowship in Maritime Security, June-August 2021, where she was based at the Royal Australian Air Force's Air and Space Power Centre. Major Sukri conducted research on the impact on ASEAN nations of US-China relations in the South and East China Seas.
Comments
Ex back
I really want to thank Dr Emu for saving my marriage. My wife really treated me badly and left home for almost 3 month this got me sick and confused. Then I told my friend about how my wife has changed towards me. Then she told me to contact Dr Emu that he will help me bring back my wife and change her back to a good woman. I never believed in all this but I gave it a try. Dr Emu casted a spell of return of love on her, and my wife came back home for forgiveness and today we are happy again. If you are going through any relationship stress or you want back your Ex or Divorce husband you can contact his email emutemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp +2348071657174
Https://web.facebook.com/Emu-Temple-104891335203341
How to join the illuminati brother now
CONTACT Mr Joseph Lucky, IS A NICE MAN..Call (+2348056484618) or add him on WhatsApp (+2348056484618) I was thinking that illuminati is not real, But today with Mr Joseph Lucky, I now believe that illuminati is real, when you come across wrong person’s you will think that life is not real but when you are with the real one you will experience the goodness of your life, To Mr Joseph Lucky, has made me discovered my purpose of life. Welcome to the great brotherhood of Illuminati 666: . WhatsApp Mr Joseph Lucky,from , Italy , and every other Country’s on how to join the Illuminati brotherhood to get rich and famous, You may be a politician, business man/woman ,musical artist, student, footballer or whatever occupation you do, you want to be rich, powerful and famous in life. Illuminati can grant all your heart desires join the Illuminati to become rich and famous in life, Illuminati will make you achieve all your dream to become rich and protected all the days of your life…… BENEFIT GIVEN TO A NEW MEMBER WHO JOIN THE ILLUMINATI a cash reward of usd $2.5million USD a new sleek dream car valued at USD $10,000.00USD a dream house build in any country of your own choice one month holiday (fully paid) to your dream tourist destination.One year golf membership package a V I P treatment in all airports in the world a total lifestyle change access to bohemian grove monthly payment of$20,000USD into your bank account every month as a member, one month booked appointment with top 5 world leaders and top 5 celebrities in the world» JOIN ILLUMINATI YOUR FINANCIALDIFFICULTIES ARE BROUGHT TO AN END. WE SUPPORT YOU BOTH FINANCIALLYAND SPIRITUALLY TO ENSURE YOU LIVE A COMFORTABLE LIFE . IF YOU ARE INTERESTED CONTACT Mr Joseph Lucky. Whatsapp. (+2348056484618) Or call
(+2348056484618) email himon: Luckyseph1113@gmail.com, For immediately response… My Regard to Mr Joseph Lucky ..............
BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERT
Tracking stolen cryptocurrency — True Trace Solution assists scam victims in recovering their lost funds.
True Trace Solution is a reputable crypto recovery firm recognized as one of the most dependable and knowledgeable experts in the field, offering bitcoin recovery services to those affected by scams.
By employing the most advanced recovery tools available, True Trace Solution can safely, swiftly, and affordably retrieve lost funds for victims of cryptocurrency scams.
If you have unfortunately lost your funds to crypto scams, begin your journey to recover your lost Bitcoin with Century Web Recovery.
Email Address: ( mailus@truetracesolution.com )
WhatsApp: +1 828 814 3630
Website: https://truetracesolution.com
How to join the illuminati
CONTACT Mr Jude Gabriel call (+2349010175450 or WhatsApp him through this number +2349010175450 or Email: illuminatiworldofsociety1@gmail.com Hello everyone my name is David Owen am from USA I am here to give a testimony on how I joined the illuminati brotherhood, I was trying to join this organization for so many years now,I was scammed by fake agent in south Africa and Nigeria,I was down,I could not feed my self and my family anymore and I tried to make money by all miss but all invail, I was afraid to contact any illuminati agent because they have eat my money,One day I across a post of someone giving a testimony, thanking a man called Jude Gabriel of being helping him to join the illuminati brotherhood, then I look at the man email and the phone number that was written there, it was a nigeria number I was afraid to contact him because a nigerian agent eat my $2000 and go away with the money then I was very tired, confused and I decided to contact the person that was given the testimony and i called him and I communicated with him on phone calls before he started telling me his own story about when he wanted to join, he told me everything to do, then I made up my mind and called the agent called Jude Gabriel and he told me everything to do, and I was initiated, surprisely I was given my benefit of being a new member of the great illuminati brotherhood I was so happy,For those of you trying to join this organization this is your opportunity for you to join CONTACT MR Jude Gabriel call (+2349010175450 or WhatsApp him +2349010175450 or email: illuminatiworldofsociety1@gmail.com
How to join the illuminati brotherhood
CONTACT Mr Joseph Lucky, IS A NICE MAN..Call (+2348056484618) or add him on WhatsApp (+2348056484618) I was thinking that illuminati is not real, But today with Mr Joseph Lucky, I now believe that illuminati is real, when you come across wrong person’s you will think that life is not real but when you are with the real one you will experience the goodness of your life, To Mr Joseph Lucky, has made me discovered my purpose of life. Welcome to the great brotherhood of Illuminati 666: . WhatsApp Mr Joseph Lucky,from , Italy , and every other Country’s on how to join the Illuminati brotherhood to get rich and famous, You may be a politician, business man/woman ,musical artist, student, footballer or whatever occupation you do, you want to be rich, powerful and famous in life. Illuminati can grant all your heart desires join the Illuminati to become rich and famous in life, Illuminati will make you achieve all your dream to become rich and protected all the days of your life…… BENEFIT GIVEN TO A NEW MEMBER WHO JOIN THE ILLUMINATI a cash reward of usd $2.5million USD a new sleek dream car valued at USD $10,000.00USD a dream house build in any country of your own choice one month holiday (fully paid) to your dream tourist destination.One year golf membership package a V I P treatment in all airports in the world a total lifestyle change access to bohemian grove monthly payment of$20,000USD into your bank account every month as a member, one month booked appointment with top 5 world leaders and top 5 celebrities in the world» JOIN ILLUMINATI YOUR FINANCIALDIFFICULTIES ARE BROUGHT TO AN END. WE SUPPORT YOU BOTH FINANCIALLYAND SPIRITUALLY TO ENSURE YOU LIVE A COMFORTABLE LIFE . IF YOU ARE INTERESTED CONTACT Mr Joseph Lucky. Whatsapp. (+2348056484618) Or call
(+2348056484618) email himon: Luckyseph1113@gmail.com, For immediately response… My Regard to Mr Joseph Lucky ..............
Illuminati
Hello everyone I am Mr Smith Benson from USA, I am giving a testimony on how I joined the illuminati brotherhood, I was trying to join this organization for so many years now,I was scammed by fake agent in south Africa and Nigeria, I was down,I could not feed my self and my family anymore and I tried to make money by all means but all avail, I was afraid to contact any Illuminati agent because they have eat my money. One day I came across a post of someone giving a testimony, thanking a man called Paul mark of being helping him to join the illuminati brotherhood, then I look at the man email and the phone number that was written there, it was a Nigeria number I was afraid to contact him because a Nigeria agent eat my $5,000 and go away with the money then I was very tired, confused and I decided to contact the person that was given the testimony and i called him and I communicated with him on phone calls before he started telling me his own story about when he wanted to join, he told me everything to do, then I made up my mind and called the agent called Paul mark and he told me everything to do, and I was initiated, surprisingly I was given my benefit of being a new member of the great illuminati brotherhood I was so happy, for those of you trying to join this organization this is your opportunity for you to join CONTACT MR PAUL MARK call +2349130700648 or WhatsApp him +2349130700648 or email: illuminatiworldoffamous@gmail.com ….
illuminati brotherhood
Hello Everyone, I want to quickly use this medium opportunity to share a testimony on how I was directed to a Legit and real illuminati member who have transformed my life from grass to grace, from being poor to a rich man who can now boast of a healthy and wealthy life without stress or financial difficulties. After so many months of trying to be a member of the illuminati and i was scammed the sum of $7,000 i became so desperate in being a member online who will not add to my pains, then i decided to contact a friend of mine who recently became a member, we discussed about the issue and to our conclusion she told me about a man called Mr Richard Fred who is the grand master in the whole of Africa. So i applied to become a member of illuminati easily without stress and all the preparations were made concerning how to become a member in two(2) days i became a member and the sum of $5,000,000 (five million dollars) was deposited into my bank account and many benefits, so i want to advice anyone who wants to become a member should call or WhatsApp him: +2348138516093 or email (illuminatisociety579@gmail.com) For more information
LOTTERY
Life was really difficult for me because of the debts I needed to clear. Desperate for a breakthrough, I decided to try my luck with the lottery. Sadly, after being scammed several times, I lost hope and almost gave up completely. One day, I started seeing many people sharing wonderful testimonies about Dr. OGBO and how he helped them with winning numbers. At first, I was doubtful, but something inside me told me to give it one last try and that decision changed my life forever. After speaking with Dr. OGBO, he performed a special spell and later provided me with six lucky numbers. He confidently assured me that I would win the California Super Lotto Plus jackpot. Honestly, I could hardly believe it, but I decided to trust the process. To my greatest surprise, by 8:00 PM PT when the results were announced, I was among the lucky winners. i won incredible $47 million jackpot! I was completely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude because I never imagined that such a miracle could happen in my life.Today, my debts are cleared, my life has changed, and I finally have peace of mind. Dr. OGBO truly made the impossible possible for me. If you are losing hope, don’t give up yet your dreams can still come true. If you would like to contact Dr. OGBO, you can reach him on WhatsApp: +2348110968476 or Email psychicogboreading@gmail.com.A big thank you to Dr. OGBO for bringing happiness and success into my life!
Illuminati
This is an open opportunity for you to become part of the world's biggest conglomerate and reach the peak of your career and in all works of life... As we begin this year's recruitment programme and our annual feast of harvest is almost at hand,no soul no blood sacrifice. There Is no religion higher than truth. We are here to liberate those who need wealth, riches, prosperity, success, fame in all ramifications, without involved in use of any human parts, deadly personal death or your loved ones.. Do you agree to be a member of illuminati new world to become rich, powerful and connected in life... if you are interested to be a member of the great Illuminati kindly WhatsApp us on +2348156703783 or email clarkilluminati011@gmail.com
official Invitation for the Worthy
THE ILLUMINATI BROTHERHOOD
Official Invitation for the Worthy
For Eyes Prepared by Fire
Have you ever been deceived?
Many have been led astray by false promises and shadows masquerading as light. If you have been deceived in the past, know this: your suffering was not weakness. The Brotherhood does not seek the untested. You have been prepared by pain, and now the true path is revealed.join the Illuminati Now. Membership includes benefits such as $1,000,000.00, A new home, and A New Car. If you know this is your first time of trying to join us and you have not been getting responses from us reach out to us now we are available on:
WhatsApp +13213648930
Email join.illuminati5788@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Gerd Holzl
I never thought getting my husband back and saved my marriage
I am so excited. Thank you Dr. Excellent!
I never thought getting my husband back and saved my marriage could be this easy..
My name is Heather Delaney. I married the love of my life Riley on 10/02/15 and we now have two beautiful girls Abby & Erin, who are conjoined twins, that were born 07/24/16. My husband left me and moved to be with another woman. I felt my life was over and my kids thought they would never see their father again. I tried to be strong just for the kids but I could not control the pains that tormented my heart, my heart was filled with sorrows and pains because I was really in love with my husband. I have tried many options but he did not come back, until i met a friend that directed me to Dr. Excellent a spell caster, who helped me to bring back my husband after 11hours. Me and my husband are living happily together again, This man is powerful, contact Dr. Excellent if you are passing through any difficulty in life or having troubles in your marriage or relationship, he is capable of making things right for you. Here his contact. Call/WhatsApp him at: +2348084273514 "Or email him at: Excellentspellcaster@gmail.com ,For more information visit his website:https://drexcellentspellcaster.godaddysites.com
How to join the illuminati
CONTACT Mr Jude Gabriel call (+2349010175450 or WhatsApp him through this number +2349010175450 or Email: illuminatiworldofsociety1@gmail.com Hello everyone my name is David Owen am from USA I am here to give a testimony on how I joined the illuminati brotherhood, I was trying to join this organization for so many years now,I was scammed by fake agent in south Africa and Nigeria,I was down,I could not feed my self and my family anymore and I tried to make money by all miss but all invail, I was afraid to contact any illuminati agent because they have eat my money,One day I across a post of someone giving a testimony, thanking a man called Jude Gabriel of being helping him to join the illuminati brotherhood, then I look at the man email and the phone number that was written there, it was a nigeria number I was afraid to contact him because a nigerian agent eat my $2000 and go away with the money then I was very tired, confused and I decided to contact the person that was given the testimony and i called him and I communicated with him on phone calls before he started telling me his own story about when he wanted to join, he told me everything to do, then I made up my mind and called the agent called Jude Gabriel and he told me everything to do, and I was initiated, surprisely I was given my benefit of being a new member of the great illuminati brotherhood I was so happy,For those of you trying to join this organization this is your opportunity for you to join CONTACT MR Jude Gabriel call (+2349010175450 or WhatsApp him +2349010175450 or email: illuminatiworldofsociety1@gmail.com
how to join illuminati
Hello Everyone, I want to quickly use this medium opportunity to share a testimony on how I was directed to a Legit and real illuminati member who have transformed my life from grass to grace, from being poor to a rich man who can now boast of a healthy and wealthy life without stress or financial difficulties. After so many months of trying to be a member of the illuminati and i was scammed the sum of $7,000 i became so desperate in being a member online who will not add to my pains, then i decided to contact a friend of mine who recently became a member, we discussed about the issue and to our conclusion she told me about a man called Mr Richard Fred who is the grand master in the whole of Africa. So i applied to become a member of illuminati easily without stress and all the preparations were made concerning how to become a member in two(2) days i became a member and the sum of $5,000,000 (five million dollars) was deposited into my bank account and many benefits, so i want to advice anyone who wants to become a member should call or WhatsApp him: +2348138516093 or email (illuminatisociety579@gmail.com) For more information
how to join illuminati
Hello Everyone, I want to quickly use this medium opportunity to share a testimony on how I was directed to a Legit and real illuminati member who have transformed my life from grass to grace, from being poor to a rich man who can now boast of a healthy and wealthy life without stress or financial difficulties. After so many months of trying to be a member of the illuminati and i was scammed the sum of $7,000 i became so desperate in being a member online who will not add to my pains, then i decided to contact a friend of mine who recently became a member, we discussed about the issue and to our conclusion she told me about a man called Mr Richard Fred who is the grand master in the whole of Africa. So i applied to become a member of illuminati easily without stress and all the preparations were made concerning how to become a member in two(2) days i became a member and the sum of $5,000,000 (five million dollars) was deposited into my bank account and many benefits, so i want to advice anyone who wants to become a member should call or WhatsApp him: +2348138516093 or email (illuminatisociety579@gmail.com) For more information
Add new comment