Joint Combat Exercise

ships, but coast guard orembark on a costly and potentially destabilizing arms race to compensate for a lack of security. On the other end extreme if they have lost confidence in the U.S., they may become more accommodating to demands of China, because they see no alternative. A crisis that stems from an aggressive Chinese act and met with a strong military response from us could have the opposite affect and lead the SCS nations to seek to strengthen military relationships or formalize ties with us. Another concern is joint combat exercises with Vietnam, with Chinese forces in close proximity, may heighten the risk of miscalculation. These joint exercises may also have the positive benefit of deterring China from projecting power in a way that provokes confrontation with its neighbors. Diplomatically, we need to pledge support to our allies if attacked. We can
Military-to-military engagements help strengthen the trust between China and Vietnam, decrease the chance for miscalculation and may lower tensions in the SCS. It uses both the diplomatic and military instruments of power. ASEAN nations should work toward a consensus on a code of conduct for the region utilizing DoS diplomatic relations. DoS should recommend conflicts be mediated through the UN Security Council and then ASEAN in 2018 to promote greater cooperation with China. China seeks respect for its growing influence in the region. Option 2 requires time to let the diplomatic talks, agreements and engagement to work. Any aggressive action by another nation in the SCS or greater influence by party hardliners in China induces a different level of risk and requires a revision to Option 2. Option 2 provides an alternative to direct confrontation and the best option for us to help shape China’s growth and maintain a balance of power in the region that is beneficial to our