Navigating the waters: Achieving balance and autonomy in South China Sea
FOLLOWING on from my article on the South China Sea (SCS) on February 25, and several calls and questions from readers, I must emphasize that achieving a balance in the SCS dispute is important for regional stability, given the rising tensions among the major powers, especially China and the United States as geopolitical tensions have had far-reaching effects on several countries and coastal states in the region.
As I am penning this article, I am cautiously aware that the recent incident on March 5, 2024, involving collisions between Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea raises significant concerns. At the time when Southeast Asian leaders convened for a summit addressing Beijing’s sea aggression, Chinese coast guard ships executed dangerous maneuvers, leading to minor collisions and injuries to four Filipino crew members. While China claims the Philippine ships were illegally intruding, Philippine officials condemn these actions as attempts to impede routine missions. The U.S., Australia, and Japan expressed concern, emphasizing adherence to international law.
Tensions in the South China Sea persist, impacting diplomatic efforts despite attempts to lower them during a January meeting in Shanghai. The incident underscores the challenges in managing territorial disputes and the potential for a broader conflict involving the U.S.
China, with expansive territorial claims, is at the center of the SCS disputes and is indeed a hotbed of geopolitical tensions. Vietnam contends over territories, The Philippines faces ongoing disputes, Taiwan aligns its claims with China, Malaysia has territorial conflicts, Brunei navigates maritime claims, and Indonesia faces challenges near its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Natuna Sea.
The United States, involved for various reasons, seeks to maintain freedom of navigation, contribute to regional stability, uphold security alliances, and balance China’s influence. The U.S. has security alliances with countries in the Asia-Pacific, and its involvement supports this partnership, ensuring the security of its regional allies. Therefore, any increase in tensions could potentially draw the U.S. into the dispute, raising concerns about a wider conflict with global implications.
Advocating for compliance with international laws and norms, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the U.S. emphasizes the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Although the U.S. sees itself as playing a role in preventing any country, especially China, from exerting unchecked dominance in the region, thus balancing China’s growing influence, in essence, and truth, U.S. involvement in SCS is a multifaceted approach that combines strategic, economic, and security considerations to safeguard its interests and foster regional stability.
In the intricate geopolitical landscape of the SCS, a delicate interplay of territorial disputes, maritime boundaries, and resource competition demands careful consideration. This equilibrium is necessary to foster regional stability, particularly as China’s assertive claims emphasize the need for addressing issues without unchecked influence. The principle of balance, inspired by the Yin and Yang philosophy which is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept that originated in the Daoist tradition becomes imperative for harmonizing opposing forces.
Applying the philosophy to the SCS disputes suggests that neither China nor the United States should wield unchecked dominance. A diplomatic approach promoting open communication and multilateral cooperation is crucial for achieving and maintaining this balance. Striking a balance requires acknowledging the legitimate concerns of all parties involved and preventing any one nation, including the United States, from becoming too weak to check China’s actions.
Facilitated by regional organizations such as ASEAN, international cooperation, despite diverse political ideologies, recognizes the benefits of economic interdependence to foster economic stability and integration; a framework that promotes common interests respects international law and ensures freedom of navigation can contribute to a stable South China Sea (SCS) region, with economic interdependence serving as a stabilizing factor, encouraging cooperation rather than confrontation.
The European Union is a notable example, where deep economic ties have led to conflicts being approached through dialogue and negotiation. The EU’s success in maintaining peace and stability is due to economic cooperation, evident in establishing the Single Market and the Eurozone.
Despite geopolitical tensions, the economic interdependence between the United States and China has prevented confrontation. Extensive trade relations and complex supply chains interweave their economies, acting as both a deterrent and a catalyst for diplomatic settlement.
Even countries with a history of conflict, such as India and Pakistan, have shown potential for stability through economic interdependence initiatives. The process of normalizing trade and economic exchange provides a framework in which shared economic interests become a catalyst for dialogue and conflict resolution.
The influence of economic interdependence extends beyond shaping global trade and supply chain operations; it intertwines with the resilience of supply chains. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for the efficient movement of goods in logistics, highlighting the intricate link between the global economic landscape and the logistics sector. The collaboration and interconnectedness of nations play a pivotal role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of products.
Economic interdependence acts as a strategic tool for mitigating risks in logistics, fostering shared interests among nations. This reliance on each other for trade and economic cooperation motivates diplomatic efforts to address conflicts and maintain stability. Stable economic relationships provide a predictable environment, ensuring a continuous flow of goods and services through the logistics network.
Logistics transcends mere operations to become a diplomatic asset in fostering economic interdependence. Collaborative logistics ventures, such as joint transportation corridors or cross-border initiatives, not only enhance the logistical capacities of participating nations but also symbolize international cooperation. These initiatives foster goodwill and strengthen diplomatic relations, thereby contributing to overall regional stability.
For instance, the joint construction of transportation networks between neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore not only improves logistical efficiency but also enhances diplomatic ties between the two nations. Similarly, collaborative efforts to establish cross-border trade routes between India and Bangladesh streamline supply chains and promote mutual trust and cooperation.
Within the sphere of logistics, where prioritizing risk assessment and strategic planning is crucial, economic interdependence establishes a cornerstone for stability. The foundation of a resilient and efficient global logistics ecosystem is formed by shared interests and collaboration, intricately linked with broader objectives of attaining balance and regional stability in the South China Sea.
I harbor concerns regarding the well-being and autonomy of coastal states amidst geopolitical tensions. It’s crucial to safeguard their interests and sovereignty, preventing exploitation in major nations’ power struggles. To foster regional stability, diplomatic initiatives should prioritize coastal states’ rights, enabling active participation in decisions affecting their territories. Achieving balance in the South China Sea requires diplomatic finesse, adherence to international law, and economic interdependence as a stabilizing force. It is important that the interests and sovereignty of these coastal states remain intact and are not manipulated as pawns in the power struggle of big countries. A diplomatic approach based on cooperation and dialogue is imperative for attaining a sustainable resolution and averting the risk of any single country exercising unchecked dominance.