Facing China: Crises or peaceful coexistence in the South China Sea

1. Introduction 1. - 2. Utilizing Chinese self-role conceptions for dealing with China 5. - 3. China enters the Spratly Islands 7. - 3.1 Malaysia: speaking softly and creating a "we-group" 8. - 3.1.1 Past Chinese-Malaysian relations 8. - 3.1.2 Malaysian reaction to the Chinese moves 9. - 3.2. The Philippines: a client not being able to make use of the patron 10. - 3.2.1 Past Philippine-Chinese relations 10. - 3.2.2 Philippine reaction to the Chinese moves 12. - 3.3 Comparing reactions 13. - 4. China occupies Mischief Reef 15. - 4.1 The Philippines: turning to its patron and the international public 15. - 4.2 Malaysia: still speaking softly and strengthening the "we-group" 18. - 4.3 Comparing Reactions 20. - 5. A cooperative interlude in the Philippine-Chinese relationship 21. - 6. China's "new assertiveness" in the South China Sea 23. - 6.1 The Philippines: instrumentalizing the US and challenging China 24. - 6.2 Malaysia: ignoring provocations and upholding the "we" 28. - 7. Conclusion 30