TERRITORIAL DISPUTES AND REGIONAL SECURITY IN EAST ASIA.

This paper seeks to study the maritime disputes amongst China and various nations of the East Asian region. The paper explores the drivers, which compel the states astride the East China Sea to establish control over the maritime and island territories. This is followed by a discussion on the dangers associated with these disputes e.g. costs of the political and military escalation, and the competition for maritime resources. There is a risk of escalation and conflict at sea. China's interests and objectives in the region are analyzed with a view to the Chinese aspiration to be the global super power by acquiring and controlling the territories around the East China Sea. While sovereignty claims in the East China Sea are not new, China's rising diplomatic, economic, as well as military influence is increasing China's capacity to pursue its interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]