South China Sea: Modern Naval Conflict in the South Pacific

South China Sea (SCS) provides an integrated political-military simulation of near future contention and conflict around the South China Sea. Players take on the roles of China, the United States, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. They simulate current political tensions through card play and structured negotiation keyed to real world events in an effort to “move the needle” to their side. Unfortunately, the cards with the greatest chance of moving that needle, such as Chinese Coast Guard and U.S. Freedom of Navigation Exercise, are also most likely to trigger armed conflict. If and when that happens, play transitions to traditional hex-and-counter format on a map scaled at 45 nautical miles (nmi) per hex and turns of 3-7 hours.

Product Information
-Complexity: Medium (5 out of 10)
-Complexity: 7 out of 10
-Solitaire Suitability: 6 out of 10
-Time Scale: 1 turn = between 3 and 7 hours
-Map Scale: 1 hex = 45 nautical miles
-Unit Scale: aircraft squadrons, pairs of ships/subs, land battalions
-Players: Best with 2 players but can be played with up to 3 players, or solitaire
-Playing Time: 2-4 hours depending on scenario

Components:
-Two map sheets for a total area about 21″ by 41″
-Three Countersheets totaling 390 3/4″ counters
-Deck of 37 political cards
-Two player aid cards
-Rule/scenario book
-Two Dice
-Box and Lid