The thesis is to explain China’s behaviors and actions in the South China Sea based on the theory of constructivism. In recent decades, China has been accused of aggressiveness which has been and will continue to be a threat to regional security. By analyzing the claimants’ policies and actions and China’s relations with other countries involving directly and indirectly in the disputes in the South China Sea, the thesis points
out issues existing in those relations which result in a sense of insecurity and a lack of trust. Besides, the thesis intends to analyze China’s identities and interests in the regions. China has been affirming its stance as a superpower which helps the country identify where its interests lie. Embedded on its identities and interests, China’s behaviors in the South China Sea have tended to be more assertive than before. The thesis emphasizes the lacking of mutual trust among the claimants with the aim of reminding the need of regional cooperations and settlement among countries in disputes.
