China in the South China Sea Dispute: Between Status Quo and Revisionist

Abstract

Abstract: The paper is trying to look whether China is a status quo power or a revisionist power in the South China Sea dispute based on status quo indicator developed by Johnston and perspectives on conformity towards norms. Meanwhile, this paper argues that China is neither a status quo nor a revisionist in the South China Sea dispute to the extent of its compliance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DoC) in the South China Sea. Using status quo indicators developed by Johnston and also the perspectives on conformity and violation towards norm, it is found that China's position in the South China Sea is determined by its interests over the disputed area. A moral dilemma between expected behaviors in the South China Sea based on China's involvement in the DoC and China's other self interests. Moreover, China has been conducting activities which fall under both categories, both status quo and revisionist. China is lying in the middle between status quo and revisionist in the South China Sea dispute, between an obligatory action that is mandated by the DoC and the desire to act in order to pursue its self-interest such as its sovereignty claim, natural resources, and geostrategic position of the disputed territory. China's position in the South China Sea dispute as well as its moral dilemma in the end could be seen through its mixed and constrained actions indicated by an aggressive act and a justification related to the aggressive act. Key words: China, South China Sea Dispute, Status Quo, Revisionist, Norm, DoC.