Misperceptions, national interests, and law in the South China Sea, by Stein Tønnesson

This paper seeks to define and weigh the relative importance of the main national interests of the states involved, notably China. Then it argues that the most important long term national interests are best served by a policy that does not rely on the use of force, but on pushing for a resolution of the disputes based on international law

15/07/2011

Recent Development In The South China Sea: From Declaration To Code Of Conduct, By Tran Truong Thuy

Abstract: This paper focuses on recent developments in the South China Sea since the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) between ASEAN and China in 2002. As the most powerful country in the region, China sets the tone for the disputess in the South China Sea…

15/07/2011

Rising Tensions In the South China Sea And Implication For Regional Security, By Leszek Buszynski

 Tensions are indeed rising in the South China Sea which has become a pivotal area for a test of wills between a China that is apparently convinced that America is a declining power, and a US that is determined to prove otherwise.  

15/07/2011

The South China Sea: an American perspective, by Bronson Percival

The South China Sea episodically attracts the attention of the U.S. community concerned about consistency in U.S. positions on international legal questions. The U.S. has commercial interests, including the free flow of maritime trade between the Indian Ocean and Northeast Asia and the ability of U.S. companies to compete on an equal basis to explore for and extract petroleum and other mineral resources...

15/07/2011

The South China Sea: an American perspective, by Bronson Percival

The South China Sea episodically attracts the attention of the U.S. community concerned about consistency in U.S. positions on international legal questions. The U.S. has commercial interests, including the free flow of maritime trade between the Indian Ocean and Northeast Asia and the ability of U.S. companies to compete on an equal basis to explore for and extract petroleum and other mineral resources...

15/07/2011

The South China Sea: Back To Future? By Mark J. Valencia

In November 2009 I presented a paper at the International Conference on the South China Sea in Hanoi that concluded as follows[1] : There are several concrete steps that can be taken. The claimants could implement an early warning system “based on existing mechanisms to prevent occurrence/escalation of conflicts” as agreed in their March 2009 ‘blueprint for peace’.[2] They could formalize a code of...

15/07/2011

Making the rocks of dispute drown in the sea of cooperation: the role of the south china sea in the process of east Asian cooperation, by Su Hao & Ren Yuan-zhe

This article will focus on regional cooperation in East Asia concerning the South China Sea issue. Firstly the authors will review the current progress of regional integration in East Asia and sum up the region’s efforts to resolve the South China Sea issue. Secondly, the analysis will highlight the main reasons for the uncertainty in the South China Sea, especially US’ involvement. Finally the authors...

15/07/2011

Making the rocks of dispute drown in the sea of cooperation: the role of the south china sea in the process of east Asian cooperation, by Su Hao & Ren Yuan-zhe 1

This article will focus on regional cooperation in East Asia concerning the South China Sea issue. Firstly the authors will review the current progress of regional integration in East Asia and sum up the region’s efforts to resolve the South China Sea issue. Secondly, the analysis will highlight the main reasons for the uncertainty in the South China Sea, especially US’ involvement. Finally the...

15/07/2011

Weekly News 11/7 - 18/7

- (Asia Time 15/7) Folly and the South China Sea: Many observers have speculated that China's drive for sole sovereignty over the South China Sea is driven mainly by belief that the sea bottom is rich in hydrocarbon resources. - (Jakarta Post 15/7) Engaging China in the South China Sea: ASEAN realizes that they have no chance to stand in a military confrontation against China in the South China...

11/07/2011

Weekly News 4/7 - 11/7

- (FT July 8) Tensions increase in South China Sea dispute - The map, which reflects Beijing’s claim over the oceans just off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, is becoming a new flashpoint in US-Sino relations. - (Huffingtonpost July 7) China and the Mosquitoes- In March 2010 China announced that it considers the entire South China Sea as a "non-negotiable" "core national interest",...

04/07/2011