Mischief reef: Geopolitics and implications

This article examines the Mischief Reef and Scarborough Shoal disputes in t he context of the dynamic political interaction between China, the Philippi nes, ASEAN and the United States. A review of recent development indicates that these particular incidents and the Spratly disputes in general have in creased in intensity and complexity drawing in ASEAN and the United States. China is the main player and several conclusion are drawn regarding its st rategy and tactics. We see the status quo as unstable and propose a few pos sible directions of actions in the interest of conflict prevention.