The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Report to Congress on South China Sea Disputes
English Summary
The South China Sea disputes present a significant challenge to international law and freedom of navigation, driven by China's increasingly assertive claims over vital maritime features. The region is critical for global commerce, handling an estimated one-fifth to one-third of worldwide trade, in addition to holding substantial energy reserves. While the US maintains no territorial claim, it consistently advocates that disputes be resolved strictly under international law (UNCLOS) and without coercion. Policymakers must therefore prioritize strengthening allied cooperation and developing strategies to counter Chinese intimidation, ensuring the stability of key global shipping lanes.
中文摘要
南海爭議對國際法和航行自由構成重大挑戰，其根源在於中國對關鍵海洋地物日益強硬的主張。該地區對於全球商業至關重要，不僅處理了全球約五分之一到三分之一的貿易量，同時也擁有可觀的能源儲備。儘管美國本身沒有領土主權主張，但它一直堅持爭端必須嚴格根據國際法（《聯合國海洋法公約》）解決，且不得使用任何脅迫手段。因此，政策制定者必須優先加強盟友合作，並發展應對中國威懾行為的策略，以確保關鍵全球航道的穩定性。
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