At the outset we should note that for some years now Chinese commentators have reminded interested foreigners that there are now many voices and interests involved in the formulation of Chinese foreign policy. In regard to the South China Sea it is easy to discern two such interests: (1) the state-owned oil company CNOOC which, having built its drilling platform, wants to use it; and (2) the People's Liberation Army, with its interest in establishing China's strategic pre-eminence in its immediate region.
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