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Abstract

The South China Sea has become a powder keg where trade routes, national pride, and great power competition collide. What was once just another disputed territory has transformed into perhaps the most dangerous hotspot in today's global politics. This study examines how tensions have escalated in the region, particularly looking at China's increasingly bold moves, America's attempts to maintain balance, ASEAN's difficult position, and why international law seems powerless to resolve anything.
China justifies its sweeping territorial claims by reaching back into history and creatively interpreting legal precedents. Beijing has been steadily tightening its grip through building artificial islands, deploying fishing fleets that double as unofficial naval forces, and keeping everyone guessing about its true intentions. Even after flatly rejecting the 2016 international court ruling against its claims, China has only doubled down on its presence, presenting itself as both the rightful owner and natural leader of the region.