TERRA NOVA, MADE IN CHINA. ANALIZA POSIBILELOR IMPLICAŢII ALE CONSTRUCŢIEI DE INSULE ARTIFICIALE ÎN MAREA CHINEI DE SUD

Abstract

Based on the technological progress in the last decades and the economic soar of the economy, the geo-political strategists in Beijing saw the opportunity to construct outposts in form of artificial islands in the South China Sea. The purpose of this endeavor is the projection of military and political power at regional and global level and by this China aims to increase its influence and to legitimize the hegemonic claims. For Chinese policymakers, this zone is very important for multiple reasons, whether economical or geo-political: it's the heart of the ASEAN community area, it is crossed by some of the most important maritime routes and it can also be viewed as a potential defensive belt for mainland China. However this step can unbalance the international equilibrium of forces, which in turn can lead to a potential conflict, with unforeseen consequences for the world in general and consequently for Romania also.

Keywords

• artificial islands
• asean
• china
• maritime disputes
• militarization
• south china sea.