The South China Sea Institute (SCSPI) recently hosted a special forum in Beijing that brought together experts from various research centers and universities to discuss the current state of stability in the region.
Root Causes of Instability
The experts identified three core factors contributing to the instability in the South China Sea:
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US Intervention: The US’s active involvement in the region, taking sides in the disputes and intensifying military presence, is seen as a major destabilizing force.
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Enforcing Illegal Claims: Certain claimant countries attempting to unilaterally enforce their claims, often disregarding pre-existing agreements like the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," is another contributing factor.
- The 2016 Arbitral Award: Expert consensus criticized the 2016 arbitral award, deeming it illegitimate and lacking binding force due to the tribunal’s lack of jurisdiction and violation of China’s rights as a UNCLOS signatory.
China’s Position
Hu Bo, director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies of Peking University, emphasized the consistency of China’s claims to sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. He noted a period of relative stability between the end of the Cold War and 2009 when the US was less engaged in the region.
United States as a Threat
Experts expressed concern over the US’s attempts to draw in external forces and its tactics of manipulating narratives about freedom of navigation and overflight to further complicate the situation. They argued that it is the US, rather than China, that poses the greatest threat to freedom of navigation in the region by imposing its interpretations of maritime law that serve its national interests.
A Calmer Situation Than Perceived?
Despite pronouncements from certain countries and media outlets, experts believe the situation in the South China Sea is less tense than portrayed. They stressed the need for a peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law and regional cooperation.
Learn more about the South China Sea and its complexities. Explore recent developments, expert analysis, and diverse perspectives. [link to a relevant resource]