In the March issue, this column stated that "Chinese occupation and creation of islands in the South China Sea Monitor Sea is going to be an issue not just with the other disputing nations in the region but with extra regional actors such as the US... [and] The issue will only add more complexities in an already tensed area."
In the March issue, this column stated that "Chinese occupation and creation of islands in the South China Sea is going to be an issue not just with the other disputing nations in the region but with extra regional actors such as the US… [and] The issue will only add more complexities in an already tensed area." Two months later, we are seeing exactly that. With new satellite images about China’s land reclamation in the South China Sea islands made available, there are strong voices emerging in the region as well as outside of the issue.
The most significant development on the issue this month happened at the 26th Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held on 26-27 April in Kaula Lumpur. The statement of ASEAN Chairman cautioned that it "share the serious concerns expressed by some Leaders on the land reclamation being undertaken in the South China Sea, which has eroded trust and confidence and may undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea." (A commentary on this is below).
Source: CSIS
As the Southeast Asian nations find a voice on the issue, there are also other countries which are closely watching the developments with concern. Last month, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki expressed concerns that China’s land reclamation program was an attempt to "militarize outposts on disputed land features." On the other hand, China has continued to reiterate its long-held position that its actions are legitimate. In fact, Beijing has also accused Vietnam and the Philippines of reclamation work on disputed islands.
As the latest developments bring the maritime territorial disputes between China and the Southeast Asian nations under further scrutiny, allegations and counter-allegations are not going to take the issue anywhere. It will be in the best interests of all the key parties to take ASEAN’s call even more seriously. In the absence of any regional conflict-resolution mechanism, all the available mechanisms under ASEAN framework need to be used "constructively" to address the issue. Furthermore, there is need to effectively implement the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and an urgent need for the establishment of the effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).
Recent Analysis
Shannon Tiezzi, "Revealed: China’s Reasons for Island-Building in the South China Sea", The Diplomat, April 10, 2015
"South China Sea island-building ’may undermine peace’ – ASEAN", BBC News, April 28, 2015
Youna Lyons and Wong Hiu Fung, "South China Sea: Turning Reefs into Artificial Islands?", The Diplomat, April 30, 2015
MEDIA WATCH
Obama says not opposed to China-led AIIB but cites governance concerns
President Barack Obama said on April 26 that reports the United States was opposed to the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) were untrue, but that transparency and good governance were key to ensuring funds would be used properly. "It could be a positive thing, but if it’s not run well it could be a negative thing," Obama told a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. (Reuters)
Asean Leaders Concerned Over South China Sea Reclamations
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations at the close of a summit of the leaders of its 10 member states in Kuala Lumpur said they have "serious concerns" about land reclamation in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, noting the practice could undermine security in the region. (Bloomberg)
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