THE ROLE OF UNITED STATES IN THE TERRITORIAL CONFLICT IN YELLOW

SEA
Based on reliable information obtained from the Chinese Ministry of Defense,
the People's Liberation Army (PLA) plans to conduct ammunition exercises in the
East China Sea. The plan is in response to military exercise plan that will be carried
out by U.S. with South Korea in the Yellow Sea.
The Chinese side continually filed a complaint to the Americans, the
Pentagon has shown no signs of refraining from testing the country's strategic bottom
line by going ahead with the plan to show off its military force. With the nuclear-
powered aircraft USS George Washington set to participate in the joint exercise,
China's key cities as Beijing and Tianjin, as well as parts of its economically
prosperous eastern coast are exposed under the US military's military attack.
Before that, the George Washington aircraft took part in the four-day
Invincible Spirit exercise that involved 20 ships and submarines, 200 aircraft and
8,000 service members from the U.S. and South Korean militaries. The exercise was
carried out to send a message of strength and deterrence to North Korea as a
response to the South Korean sailors in the Yellow Sea, near the disputed maritime
border between the two Koreas.
The existence of U.S. aircraft carrier in the Yellow Sea is their first step to
enter into a larger dispute competition stage of the South China Sea dispute. The
economic and political rivalry between U.S. and China provided U.S. a strong ground
to frustrate China in winning the conflict. In addition, the resources that exist in the
South China Sea region make the U.S. interested to take advantage. They try to hold
Japan and South Korea to support China interests. Exercise done in the Yellow Sea
is a first step.
Following the presence of U.S. aircraft in the Yellow Sea, Indonesia should
continue to be in neutral side in order to maintain good relations with both countries.
However, it should be aware if the aircraft is starting to approach the territory of
Indonesian sovereignty. When that happens, Indonesia needs to be resolute to deny
the existence of any aircraft carrier that lies around its territory. In addition, related to
the South China Sea conflicts, Indonesia is also affected by threats to the area of
North Natuna Sea. Negotiations need to be continued to reach agreement.
In an effort to resolve the South China Sea conflict, ASEAN often holds
meetings to discuss the conflict. In addition to the presence of disputed countries,
ASEAN also invited the U.S. in the meeting. In addition to being a mediator in the
conflict, the presence of U.S. aircraft carriers in the South China Sea region
contributed to deterrence effect and resist China in the conflict.