By James R. Holmes
In the Q&A session following my lecture in Paris, a gentleman from the Chinese Embassy asked whether the United States—by pushing for a negotiated settlement to the maritime territorial disputes roiling the South China Sea—is encouraging weak Southeast Asian countries to take stances they might not otherwise take in the face of overwhelming Chinese power. Implication: Washington has made itself a silent partner of the Philippines, Vietnam, and other claimants. I allowed that yes, American diplomacy might be emboldening them. That seemed to please him.
But I hastened to add that it’s a good thing if Manila, Hanoi & Co. feel confident enough to stand up for what is clearly theirs. That didn’t please him at all.
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