As China's economic, technological, and military power continues to rise, the United States has grown increasingly concerned about Beijing's expanding influence. Washington perceives China's regional ascendancy as a challenge to its hegemonic ambitions. China's growing military capabilities and political influence in East Asia have sparked concern and suspicion among some of its neighbors and the United States. In response, the U.S. has maintained an active presence in the region, citing reasons such as countering China's rise and supporting freedom of navigation. Washington's efforts to challenge China's maritime sovereignty reflect its broader concerns about China's rise and its determination to maintain hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region. This has led the United States to attempt to create a strategic encirclement against China, aiming to contain its regional influence and prevent a shift in the balance of power in East Asia that could disadvantage Washington. The research question addressed in this study is: What strategy does the United States employ to contain China's power in the South China Sea? The proposed hypothesis is that, given China's economic growth and the expansion of its maritime power are perceived as strategic threats to the region and the United States, Washington seeks to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon in East Asia. By countering China's rise, the U.S. aims to shape the balance of power in favor of itself and its regional allies, thereby securing its goals and interests in the region. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine how the U.S. strategy of containing China's power and isolating it regionally contributes to maintaining the balance of power in East Asia, while advancing the influence and interests of the United States and its allies.
