The US Navy and the South China Sea
by Bruce A Elleman
"American, Chinese, and Vietnamese Maritime Relations, 1945-2023"
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The US Navy and the South China Sea by Bruce A Elleman
Details
War:
Cold War
Perspective:
Researcher
Military Unit:
US Navy
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
Asia
Page Count:
264
Published Date:
2024
ISBN13:
9781040102954
Description
Main Themes and Topics
The US Navy and the South China Sea by Bruce A Elleman delves into the intricate dynamics of geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, with a particular focus on the role of the United States Navy. Elleman meticulously unravels the complex history of diplomatic, economic, and military interplays among major world powers, namely the People’s Republic of China, the Soviet Union, the United States, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The book covers the period from 1945 to 1975, outlining how the US used its relationship with Vietnam as leverage against China, the strategic pivot of opening relations with China in 1972, and the consequential naval actions around the Paracel Islands. It highlights the strategic significance of the South China Sea in US global strategy.
Writing Style and Tone
Bruce A Elleman's writing style in The US Navy and the South China Sea is both scholarly and accessible, making a complex historical and geopolitical subject understandable to a broad audience. His tone is analytical and objective, providing a balanced perspective on the intricacies of international relations in the region. Elleman’s methodical approach in presenting historical facts allows readers to grasp the multifaceted nature of the US Navy's presence in the South China Sea.
Brief Summary
This book explores the pivotal question of why the US Navy is actively engaged in the South China Sea. Through a historical lens, Elleman charts the evolving diplomatic and military strategies in the region, particularly focusing on interactions between the United States and major players such as China, Vietnam, and the Soviet Union. By examining key events from the post-World War II era to the mid-1970s, the book underscores how these relationships have influenced broader US strategic objectives. Notably, it discusses strategic decisions, such as the US Navy's unexpected allowance for Chinese control over the Paracel Islands, that have shaped contemporary geopolitical landscapes.
