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INSIGHT: Engaging China in maintaining peace in South China Sea
However, there are some disagreements regarding the strategy of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
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In this March 29, 2014 file photo, a Chinese Coast Guard ship attempts to block a Philippine government vessel as the latter tries to enter the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea to relieve Philippine troops and resupply provisions. (AP/Bullit Marquez)
T
hat the extensive claim over the body of water within China’s nine-dash line in the South China Sea does not correspond to international law should not be overlooked. Furthermore, China’s behavior in the South China Sea, namely the massive construction of artificial islands, is undeniably worrying.
However, there are some disagreements regarding the strategy of maintaining peace and stability in the region. Which is why this piece attempts to complement the arguments of Aaron Connelly, which appeared in The Jakarta Post on April 5, to provide readers with a better idea of the issue.
(Read also: Indonesia must lead for sake of its interests in South China Sea)
First, Connelly advocates Indonesia leading the region in voicing grave reservations about China’s behavior by stating clearly and repeatedly its expectation that “China will adhere to the arbitral tribunal’s award in Philippines v. China and end its use of the ‘nine-dash line’ to outline China’s claims.”
Moreover, Connelly doubts that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s move to assert Indonesia’s sovereign rights in the waters of Natuna Island in June last year will serve as a durable deterrent against China’s might. If the effect of Jokowi’s move in Natuna is considered limited, then how can one be sure that facing off against China is a better deterrence strategy?
Furthermore, urging China to abandon its nine-dash line claim sounds tactless. There is a better strategy than just provoking China’s anger. Dealing with China means understanding the country and adopting an open-minded attitude toward it.
The nine-dash line itself is a subject of contention in Beijing. There is no consensus among top policymakers there on the nine-dash line. Although originally the nine-dash line map drawn in 1947 signified the islands in the South China Sea, it was not meant to be a borderline.
