Research Summaries

Back Chinese Security Cooperation with Southeast Asian Countries: Implications for U.S. Naval Operations

Fiscal Year 2019
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Glosny, Michael A.
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary Recent analysis has focused on Chinese assertive and expansionist behavior in maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Although it has garnered less attention, China has also been developing security cooperation and military diplomacy with several countries in Southeast Asia, with the intent of deepening trust, managing frictions, and developing strategic partnerships. Efforts have included high-level military visits and exchanges, port visits, arms sales, maritime exercises, and participation in multilateral defense and security summits. China has established Defense and Security Consultation Mechanisms with most regional countries. Six Southeast Asian countries participated in a multilateral search-and-rescue exercise that China hosted last year, and Southeast Asian defense ministers have agreed to a Chinese proposal for a joint maritime exercise later this year. This study will examine these trends, analyze how Southeast Asian countries are responding to the efforts, and explore the long-term implications for U.S. naval operations in the region.

Project will combine expertise of China specialist (Michael Glosny) and maritime Southeast Asia specialist (Michael Malley) to examine recent changes in China’s security cooperation with Southeast Asia, the effect on China’s relations with countries in the region, and the implications of these efforts for U.S. maritime security cooperation with regional allies and partners. Drawing on Chinese and Southeast Asian materials, writings and discussions with military officers and experts in China and Southeast Asia, and meetings with DAO officials in the region, we will systematically analyze Chinese efforts to deepen security cooperation and examine how these efforts are affecting U.S. relationships, maritime interests, and naval operations in Southeast Asia. We will examine the region as a whole, but will likely emphasize important U.S. allies and partners in maritime Southeast Asia. Comprehensive final report and brief.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal