The regional power balance and potential hotspots

Abstract

"Militärische Auseinandersetzungen in der Straße von Taiwan oder im Südchinesischen Meer werden nicht nur ökonomische und sicherheitspolitische Auswirkungen in der Region selbst haben, sondern global zu spüren sein, auch in Europa." (Autorenreferat)

"The article looks at two strategic hotspots in East Asia from a European perspective. The author argues that a violent conflict in the Taiwan Strait or in the South China Sea might have economic and security implications not only for the region itself, but also globally, including for Europe. In his opinion, it is time to define Europe’s strategic and security interests in the region as going beyond the present limited functional involvement in support of KEDO and multilateral security meetings such as ARF and CSCAP. His analysis provides an overview what happened during the last years concerning these two potential hotspots and to which extent a 'shifting balance of power forces' as well as its implications for regional stability and security can be identified." (author's abstract)