The Impact of the Johnson South Reef Skirmish on the South China Sea Conflict

The victory by China in the Johnson South Reef Skirmish emboldened them to make further aggressive claims and actions in the South China Sea. This paper discusses that battle, analyzes its importance, and shows how China has undertaken even more aggressive actions since then.

Whether against Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, or even the U.S., this paper demonstrates the consequences of the ability to sink a Vietnamese naval boat in battle with no repercussions for China.