INSIGHT: Engaging China in maintaining peace in South China Sea

Klaus Heinrich Raditio
Researching China’s recent behavior and strategy in the South China Sea for his PhD at the University of Sydney

PREMIUM

Jakarta / Fri, April 7, 2017 / 08:29 am

INSIGHT: Engaging China in maintaining peace in South China Sea

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)

That 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 arbi...