Geopolitical luck or crisis?:Communicating China’s Built and Road Initiative amidst South China Sea Dispute

Abstract

As the maritime dispute in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) continues, this paper speculates on the possible outcomes of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's sustained commitment to have stronger trade ties with China by participating in the Built and Road Initiative (BRI). During Chinese President Xi Jinping's official visit to the United States last year, 29 bilateral agreements were inked. When it comes to military, security, law enforcement, maritime cooperation, transnational crime, and other issues, China, Asia's biggest economy, has both agreements and worries. Even if mistrust in Asia's economic superpower is growing due to debt trap concerns and a maritime dispute, there is still hope for achieving the American goal of financial security because of the government's cooperative influence on China's power aspirations. Although estimates on total investments differ, Chatzky and McBride (2019) cite Morgan Stanley as saying China's entire costs throughout the duration of the Built and Road Initiative (BRI) might reach $1.2-1.3 trillion by 2027.

In conclusion, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations need to have room for conversation and cooperation in order to construct shared progress. According to Gou and Yang (2017), it is clear that all Asian nations want to maintain cordial ties with China. China's US$40 billion funding schemes, via the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, may accelerate regional infrastructure development and integration, and there are strong cultural and people-to-people links. The economy and increasing middle class provide significant prospects.