O poder naval chinês e o mar do sul da China

Abstract

In recent years, particularly since this century, China has invested in the development of its Naval Power. At the same time, tensions with its neighboring countries over sovereignty disputes involving the South China Sea are clearly present to the rest of the world. The present work aims to understand the relationship between these two issues, with the following hypothesis: the recent development of Chinese naval power has as its main motivation the guarantee of the country's interests in the South China Sea. For this, a historical approach will be made that contextualizes the importance of the South China Sea region and how previous events influence the dynamics of power until today. Subsequently, an analysis of the Chinese armed forces - especially its navy - will provide an overview of the recent evolution of the country's Naval Power. Finally, we will seek to understand the current geopolitical dynamics involving the region and how China has positioned itself in this scenario. The study will be done through an exploratory research, using two methods: bibliographic research, through books, academic articles, reports from international institutions of strategic studies and journalistic reports; and documentary research, with analysis of documents from China and official speeches by leaders of the main countries involved in the issue.