The United States Offshore Balancing in the South China Sea Dispute (2017 – 2021)

The debates about geopolitical competition between major powers in this multipolar world will always consider the presence of the United States and the rise of China. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the implementation of the United States' offshore balancing, especially in the Donald Trump Administration, to contain China in the South China Sea dispute. Although there were previous studies that discuss the United States – China strategic competition in the South China Sea, the time span is limited until 2017, and has not yet reached the specifications for the implementation of the offshore balancing by the United States. Therefore, this study will use the offshore balancing theory to identify the reasons for the United States’ deterrence against China. This study will use qualitative–deductive methods and triangulation data analysis techniques from official documents and statements, previous research, or internet sources. This study found that China's assertiveness in the South China Sea has caused the implementation of United States’ offshore balancing regardless of geographical distance. Guided by the Freedom of Navigation Operations that escalated during Trump’s, offshore balancing was implemented by encouraging other countries to control China in the South China Sea dispute, and to intervene only when necessary.