Vietnam Tests China’s Patience In The South China Sea

The Chinese Communist Party is well aware of the challenges its rise poses to the established order and primarily the United States. Beijing has, therefore, been following Deng Xiaoping’s famous dictum “hide your strength, bide your time.” The Chinese would like to avoid Thucydides’ trap from happening earlier then they’re prepared for, which means a conflict between a hegemon and a rising power. The growing tensions in the South China Sea are regarded by all involved parties as a test for the current balance of power…