RATIONALITY OF THE UNITED STATES (US) CONFLICT WITH CHINA IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN THE FRAMEWORK OF CHICKEN GAME THEORY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhess.v6i1.2476Abstract
As a major maritime route rich in resources and crucial for global trade, the South China Sea has become a flashpoint for conflicting interests between the United States (US) and China. China seeks to expand its influence through military infrastructure development and territorial claims with the nine-dash line, while the United States supports freedom of navigation and alliances with regional countries to counter Chinese influence. The strategic choice between increased military presence or limited cooperation to maintain stability is a key dilemma in the relationship between the two countries. Using the Chicken Game analysis model from Game Theory variations, this study aims to identify and answer the question of why the United States and China choose confrontational strategies such as increasing their military capabilities in the South China Sea, despite the risk of escalating to open war. This research is expected to contribute to an understanding of how competing US-China interests in the South China Sea can influence regional instability and highlight strategic dynamics in the region.
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