@ Brookings Podcast: Coping with China in the South China Sea

Tensions in the South China Sea have accelerated in recent months, as China makes assertive moves to protect its claims in the area. Kenneth Lieberthal, director of the John L. Thornton China Center, explains that the Asian nations in the region have strong interests in the possible sub-sea energy wealth and navigation and fishing rights above. Given China’s actions and those of other claimants in the area, the U.S. must chart a careful diplomatic path to help assure a peaceful resolution of the issues and to protect America’s own strong interest in freedom of navigation.