This paper seeks to analyze the main reasons of the disagreement over the South China Sea between the USA and one of the claimants, China. We would go about it using the theory of Realism as a basis of our analysis. This theory claims that nations, as main actors of the international system, interact with each other on the basis of their own interests – military security, economic prosperity etc. In a world where there is no authority over the nations, the latter have to protect themselves on their own means. The disputes in South China Sea are fuelled by the value maritime space and the oceanic resources values. Actually, the nation that controls the sea, can hold any of the littoral countries to ransom. The dependence of China on imported oil and due to the fact that most of its oil imports are shipped through the South China Sea, pushes it to protect its sea lanes, secure its access to closer oceanic resources and protect its territory from potential attacks that could be launched from South China Sea. Being a transit lane for both regional and international trades, many countries are also concerned about the conflicts. One of them is the United States. The United States’ concern is strongly influenced by its will to maintain its own influence in the area.
Keywords: China, Realism, South China Sea, the USA
