There is a growing trend of tensions and disputes in South China Sea, making this region one of the most unstable Zones in East Asia. China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all claim sovereignty on overlapping parts of this sea. This has created diplomatic tension among the litoral states. In fact, rapid economic growth of China and expansion of its military expenditures and promotion of its military power, in particular marine forces, and its activities in the sea has resulted in high concern among the neighboring countries. Therefore, several countries are asking for a more active role by the United States in this region to balance the power of China.
The present article aims to study China dispute with neighboring countries over South China Sea and to assess whether military conflict among these countries could be possible.