US-CHINA RELATIONS AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA CONFLICT.

The US-China relations have seen many ups and downs due to conflicting perceptions and policy orientations. Presently, Chinese moves in the South Pacific Rim are perceived as a threat to the US interests in the region. This has led the United States to shift its policy preference towards the Pacific region. China has also shifted its focus towards the Oceanic affairs to attain strategic depth, as the Pacific Ocean has become important due to its trade and economic routes. Chinese rapid economic growth, expanding market and military modernization have led the US to think about China as a major competitor and a challenger rather than a strategic partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]