China’s troubled waters

Each year, $5.3 trillion of trade passes through the South China Sea and analysts say that $1.2 trillion of that number is U.S. commerce. Furthermore, more than half of the world’s annual merchant fleet tonnage and a third of all maritime traffic worldwide travel through these troubled waters.

As we have noted in the recent past, China’s decision to militarize the Spratly Islands and claims of sovereignty over vast areas of the South China Sea has created a major challenge for other Pacific nations and for freedom of navigation.

Next week, LM will be attending a conference at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to learn more about this critical issue.

We will meet with experts who examine the political, legal, economic, and security issues at play in the South China Sea dispute and discuss what is likely to happen next. Recent satellite images of China’s actions also will be reviewed.