China’s Rise as a Key Factor in the South China Sea and East China Sea Disputes in XXI Century

The following paper is devoted to the China’s growth and its impact on the Southeast Asia and East Asia regional dynamics. The research question is rooted in the necessity, through the analysis of the China’s rise as a geopolitical, military and economic power, to outline regional dynamics and context development, in particular, on the example of the conflicts in the South China Sea and East China Sea. This analysis is carried out along with the focus on the U.S.’ factor and its role in the region. By applying the neoclassical realism as a theory basis and following its logics, we present a systematic view on the research problem and consequently conclude that the above-mentioned conflicts are a pure example of the interstate regional clash where China’s rise plays a significant role having a capability either to aggravate it or to mitigate the tensions. Based on this, we also state that the current conflicts would not transform into the military war given the existing constraints which all participants have.