The South China Sea and US-China rivalry as interconnected factors of Chinese diplomacy towards ASEAN

The subject of the research is the analysis of China's diplomatic strategy towards the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the context of two interrelated foreign policy factors: the territorial dispute in the South China Sea and the strategic rivalry between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United States of America. Special attention is given to how these factors not only influence China's foreign policy but also shape its substantive and tactical features. The study covers issues of security, regional integration, political pressure, and China's diplomatic initiatives in the region, as well as analyzes the responses of ASEAN countries to the Chinese strategy. The relevance of the topic is determined by the fact that Southeast Asia is becoming a theater for large-scale geopolitical transformations, and China's diplomatic approaches to interaction with ASEAN are gaining significant importance for the future of the entire Asia-Pacific security architecture. Thus, the work aims to identify mechanisms of political influence, configurations of partnership, and diplomatic balances in the context of increasing turbulence. The research is based on the application of a systematic approach and the method of comparative analysis, including the study of official documents, scientific publications, and analytical reports in Russian, English, and Chinese. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the comprehensive approach to analyzing China's diplomatic strategy, viewed through the prism of the simultaneous action of two key factors – the territorial conflict in the South China Sea and strategic rivalry with the United States. Unlike several existing studies, this work emphasizes the mutual reinforcement of these factors and their cumulative impact on the formation of China's dual diplomacy – a combination of assertively defending national sovereignty and striving to maintain stable relations with ASEAN. The timeliness of the topic adds additional significance, as issues of stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region are priorities on the international agenda. Among the main conclusions, it is emphasized that China is implementing an adaptive strategy, simultaneously strengthening its military and political presence in the region while initiating confidence-building measures and cooperation with ASEAN. The work highlights the need for a balance between national interests and the building of robust partnerships, which allows for a reduction in the risks of isolation and international confrontation.