Definition: Control of strategic ports and outposts/colonies along boundary coasts of South China Sea and constant naval presence and trade monopoly. Ideally on par with the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean, but not compulsory.
Assuming a favourable pre-1900 POD, which civilization is most capable of dominating the South China Sea?
Two categories for this question:
1. Pre-European (before 1500) - Vietnam (Dai Viet, Champa), China, Khmer, Brunei, Ayuthaya, etc?
2. European (after 1500) - British Empire (perhaps they fit this description the most?), Netherlands, France, Spain
Assuming a favourable pre-1900 POD, which civilization is most capable of dominating the South China Sea?
Two categories for this question:
1. Pre-European (before 1500) - Vietnam (Dai Viet, Champa), China, Khmer, Brunei, Ayuthaya, etc?
2. European (after 1500) - British Empire (perhaps they fit this description the most?), Netherlands, France, Spain