| This paper focuses on the China policies of the south China Sea claimants and compares the China policies of Vietnam,the Philippines and Malaysia by taking important incidents that occurred between 2010 and 2020 as cases.Vietnam’s policy toward China is tough,but it maintains close ties with China in economic and other areas.The Philippines’ China policy shows a strong stage characteristic,swinging between toughness and friendliness.Malaysia’s China policy is the most moderate among the three countries,with strong continuity and obvious characteristics of economic pragmatism.It can be seen that in the face of similar strategic background and system pressure,the three countries’ China policies present obvious differences.Based on the differences of the south China Sea claimants’ policies towards China,this paper analyzes the reasons for the differences from the perspectives of opportunities and risks.Based on the geographical and historical factors,the demand of economic development and the domestic nationalist sentiment,Vietnam must take a strong attitude on territorial disputes to maintain its political legitimacy.Based on the needs of its own economic development,China is regarded as an important object of economic cooperation.The transition of Philippine leaders had a great impact on its China policy.Aquino III,based on his criticism of the previous government,his domestic support rate,and his dependence on the US-Philippines alliance,took the direct confrontational approach to deal with the threat posed by China to the Philippines in the South China Sea.Mr Duterte,by contrast,has tried to ease relations with China to concentrate on domestic issues.Based on geographical factors,leaders’ strategic awareness and economic pragmatism,Malaysia believes that the rise of China does not necessarily bring risks to Malaysia.On the contrary,such risks can be controlled or avoided. |
