Submarine Sanctuary: Why China Is Determined to Establish Dominance Over South China Sea

China is expanding reefs and rocks in the South China Sea and installing military equipment. “Establishing dominance of the semi-closed South China Sea is but the first essential step in achieving China’s blue water ambitions, which Washington is unlikely to support,” explains Nayan Chanda, founding editor of YaleGlobal Online, in his column for Times of India. He adds that Beijing expects other nations, some with competing claims, to seek permission before using the water while denying this prevents freedom of navigation. Chanda points out that such maneuvers would run against China’s interest with trillions in trade passing through the waters each year. Instead, China wants to block surveillance of its submarines traveling through the sea’s shallow waters. “China is steadily building up its naval strength, adding to its nuclear submarine fleet and sending its vessels out into the Pacific and Indian Oceans,” Chanda concludes. “[China’s] recent agreement with Djibouti gives it its first overseas military base where it can shelter and resupply its blue water navy.” – YaleGlobal