On September 2, 2019, the United States began military training drills with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the South China Sea. The South China Sea has been an area of great contention as territorial disputes between China and ASEAN member states have been escalating. Many in the international community have wondered what role the United States will play in responding to China’s increased presence in the South China Sea. These are the first joint naval drills between ASEAN member states and the United States Navy. The joint military drills could suggest an increased U.S. military presence in the South China Sea and the willingness of ASEAN member states to challenge China’s growing military and economic prowess in the region. In 2018, ASEAN member states held similar drills with China.
