The Rise of a Great Wall of Sand in the South China Sea - A Qualitative Idea Analysis on How China Has Demonstrated Its Assertiveness Over the South China Sea during Xi Jinping's Second Term as President of China

Sammanfattning: This thesis investigates how China has demonstrated its assertiveness in the South China Sea throughout Xi Jinping's second presidential term, from March 2018 to March 2023. Employing the theoretical framework of Offensive Realism, the thesis seeks to unravel the motivations behind China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, contributing to a nuanced understanding of its strategic behavior and geopolitical objectives in the region. The findings from the research reveal a pattern of assertive behavior manifested through strategic military deployments and the assertion of territorial claims in the contested area. These actions align seamlessly with the core tenets of Offensive Realism, underscoring a calculated pursuit of dominance and protection of its interests, illustrating the broader designs of the Chinese Communist Party in the region. By unraveling the motivations and consequences of China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the nation's strategic behavior and geopolitical objectives in this critical maritime domain.