Since the 1970s, the US has tread a fine line of pursuing neutrality on claims to the South China Sea. The Trump administration, however, looks set to upend that policy.

Any attempt by Donald Trump to bolster his chances at reclaiming the White House by starting a limited war with China is not likely to work. It’s complicated.

In a word, no. China has never recognized the arbitration under the UNCLOS treaty as valid. Meanwhile, the United States continues to poison relations by opposing everything China does.

The United States is increasing pressure on China in the South China Sea, by sending two of its largest ships into the area. Beijing has no alternative but to respond in kind.

As COVID-19 continues to stretch nations’ resources thin all over the world, South China Sea disputes continue, emboldening ASEAN to set the rules for how these disputes will be resolved.

China has been taking exception to the US’s long-running freedom of navigation operations in recent years. But as a rising maritime power, it is in China’s best interests to adhere to an enduring and stable order at sea.

Beneath the surface of the political gamesmanship are bedrock principles of jurisprudence that were overlooked or trampled by the Arbitral Tribunal.

The United States has moved increasingly from neutrality to direct intervention, which threatens stable peace. Saber-rattling and ill-advised words by U.S. leaders only makes things worse.

The influence of the United States can be seen in virtually every move of countries in the region that have a stake. China needs to promote its role as an anchor of peace and stability.

Cooperative inspections by China and Vietnam have been effective in some ways. But they have not resolved basic problems, including overfishing. With the latest agreement expiring in June, it’s time to think in a holistic way.