"CEAC Commentary" introduces news analyses andopinions in Japan on topics related to regional
cooperation and integration in East Asia, but they do
not represent the views of CEAC as an institution.

December 28, 2015

Great Implication of the US Navy’s Action inthe South China Sea
By SUZUKI Keisuke
It seems that the United States has finally resorted to a concrete action in theSouth China Sea. The US Navy sent an Aegis combat system destroyer to the waters
within 12 nautical miles from Subi reef for maritime patrol at night on October 26 inlocal time, where China claims their territorial rights and builds an airstrip. I would liketo express my support for such a resolute response for regional stability. From myexperience of exchanging opinions with political leaders of Vietnam, Taiwan, and South
Korea, I have come to realize that the vulnerability of these countries vis-à-vis China’s
military and economic pressure is far more serious than we, the Japanese, imagine. I
believe this is also the case with leaders of the Philippines and the rest of regional
stakeholders.
As Japan is surrounded by the sea,

and is strong in the economy, we canhardly imagine how vulnerable they are to China. They always feel themselvesendangered. Furthermore, it is their vital interest that Japan and the United States deter
Chinese expansionism, maintain regional balance of power, and make firm andcontinual commitment to each of them. On every occasion, I argue that if East andSouth East Asian nations feel doubtful of continual engagement by Japan and theUnited States, they have no choice but appease China for their national survival,
whether they like it or not. This is because Asian nations face direct military threat ofChina, while their economy is highly dependent on this country. We must remember
this sober reality.
For this purpose, just a verbal comment is not enough, and actions are
anticipated more than anything else. When China unilaterally set the ADIZ around thereef before, the United States sent B-52 bombers to the disputed airspace immediately.
As was the case before, a resolute action like deploying a destroyer to the disputed
waters as it was done this time, will be a card stating clearly to wipe out widespread
distrust among Asian nations whether America is continually and seriously engaged
with Asia, despite tight budget and increasingly isolationist public opinion. That will
prevent Asian nations’ relations with China from developing too close and keep statusquo, and consequently, contribute to regional stability in Asia.
While we are anxious to know the prospect of the forthcoming presidentialelection in the United States, it is understood that security policy in Asia should notchange whoever wins the election. In view of this, while we understand the reality that
actions beyond verbal engagement make the message more trustworthy, it is importantfor the Japanese side to deepen bilateral communications within the framework of theUS-Japanese partnership, and contribute to regional stability by making the US
understand the actual perception of Asian countries and by convincing the US of thenecessity of substantial action.
(This is an English translation of the article written by Mr. SUZUKI Keisuke,
Member of the House of Representatives (Liberal Democratic Party), which
originally appeared on the e-forum “Hyakka-Somei” of CEAC on October 30, 2015.)