Tensions over the South China Sea have topped discussions at the Asia Security Forum in Singapore. Pentagon sees China as the second biggest “existential threat” to the US after Russian Federation but is not averse to collaborate if it is in its economic interest. The political paradigm of the 21Th century has changed, traditionally we steal talking about security and political issues, but mostly it`s a political bluff. It is a real exception where states would like to enter into an open conflict, endangering its economic, political and security stability.

The South China Sea disputes are not only a source of potential instability for the Asian region, at the same time such situation open an opportunity for greater cooperation between the United States and India in contributing to the management of regional order. The United States demonstrated doubtful flexibility in its policy and reiterated its neutrality regarding the South China Sea disputes. Nevertheless, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s by way of statement at the 2010 ASEAN Regional Forum meeting stated that the South China Sea is a matter of national interest.

What the United States and India can do together?

•The United States should regularly reassure Asian states of its commitment to the region.
•India and the United States should continue to assert that both freedom of navigation and UNCLOS should be adhered to in the South China Sea.
•The South China Sea dispute should be settled peacefully through negotiation. (In practice it means “according to US interests.)
•Both India and the United States can work together to build coast guard capabilities of claimant states, particularly Vietnam, to deal more effectively against non-traditional threats like piracy and terrorism.

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