Flashpoint: South China Sea

“We are strongly committed to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and security, and defending our territorial integrity.” - Chinese President Xi Jinping “The United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, and support the right of all nations to do the same.” - U.S. PACOM Commander Chief Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr.   “Vietnam does not pursue a military buildup, but Vietnam pursues protecting our sovereignty, firstly with peaceful measures, diplomatic measures, and even justice measures.” -Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc   Flashpoint: South China Sea is a two-player strategy game that simulates the complex geopolitical contest currently taking place between the United States and China in a disputed region of the South China Sea. The game is driven by a card deck that captures developments ripped straight from today's headlines, bolstered by cards with a context-setting reading of recent history, and a set of speculative cards capturing a diverse range of potential future events.  The Chinese player works to influence other countries in the region, establish territorial claims and regional hegemony, and improve its world standing. The U.S. player works to maintain influence with allied countries in the region, secure freedom of navigation, and keep China in check. Success for both players hinges on the support and allegiance of non-player countries in the region. The game stops short of dealing with a potential full-scale military conflict. Rather, it requires the nuanced exercise of political, economic, and military resources, in a form of prima facie diplomacy – on the waters, in the air, and ultimately in the minds of the people – to achieve victory. Each player manages a hand of cards that can be used immediately for various operations, or may be held for future operations under more favorable circumstances.