Crisis Ahead: South China Sea Geopolitical Tensions - De Balie (event)

Of all the world's conflict zones, the Indo-Pacific Region is overlooked. The risks of escalation are real. The South China Sea, rich in oil, gas and other resources, is also one of the most crucial transport routes for global trade, but lately, it is turning into the preface of a battleground. Regional states find themselves in the hotspot of the power struggle between an increasingly assertive China and the U.S. With these rising tensions, how can we sustain peace and security in the region? Tonight, we will discuss the interests and acts of regional actors.

In the South China Sea, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei claim parts of this strategically important, resource-intensive body of water. In addition, the Netherlands and its Western allies have a strong interest in the Indo-Pacific region and deploy battleships to secure these. The U.S. alone utilizes 66 military bases in the Indo-Pacific region. With China involved, there is a lot at stake.
Is Europe playing its role accordingly? What motivates the actions of China and the U.S.? And what about the 5.9 billion people living in the Indo-Pacific, do they get a say in this geopolitical game of chess?

Public event, De Balie, Amsterdam 6 June 2024. Go to event page.