In 2001, an American EP-3 surveillance plane collided with a Chinese F-8 fighter jet over the South China Sea. In 2009, five Chinese vessels harassed an American reconnaissance boat called the...Show moreIn 2001, an American EP-3 surveillance plane collided with a Chinese F-8 fighter jet over the South China Sea. In 2009, five Chinese vessels harassed an American reconnaissance boat called the Impeccable. Both incidents greatly affected the bilateral relations between China and the United States. This thesis analyzes the statements made by Chinese citizen leadership and PLA commanders to find out whether China has been getting more assertive in the South China Sea in the first decade of this century. This thesis argues in the end that this is not the case. China has, looking at their statements, not adopted a new assertive strategy concerning the South China Sea between 2000-2010.Show less
