POLITIK LUAR NEGERI AMERIKA SERIKAT DALAM KONFLIK LTS (LAUT TIONGKOK SELATAN) MELALUI FONOPs (FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION OPERATIONS)

This study discusses the United States' Foreign Policy in the LTS (South China Sea) conflict through FONOPS (Freedom of Navigation Operations). The research method used is qualitative using a descriptive approach. The researcher used K.J.'s Concept Theory. Holsti and Cantori & Spiegel's Concept of Subordinate Areas. To collect data, researchers used primary data in the form of statements of high-ranking officials obtained from press releases and official government archives obtained from the government's official website. In this study the author also uses secondary data in the form of library data from books, journals, theses, online news and official websites. The results showed that the United States acts as an Intrusive System in the region and acts as a Regional Protector. The United States has a significant political involvement motivation in the region and is motivated by economic interests as well as political needs. The presence of the United States in the region is also a form of the United States' capable military capability in maintaining and ensuring its security in the region and as an effort to stem the rise of China in the region. FONOPS has become an instrument of the United States in maintaining its existence in the region