Geopolitical Conflict in disputed South China sea and Navigating Strategic Tensions.

Geopolitical Conflict in disputed South China sea and Navigating Strategic Tensions. 

In an emerging geopolitical environment, China is holding military exercises in the disputed South China Sea (SCS) reinforcing its claims in the world’s most critical trade route via sea. China has been defending its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea in the face of challenges by the U.S. and its allies Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all make claims to parts of the South China Sea.

China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea which have been claimed by small countries Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. 

In defiance of international tribunal rulings jurisdiction on south China sea, China has continued its aggressive behavior to exert dominance in the South China Sea.

China has flagrantly violated its obligations under the convention on the International Regulations of Permanent court of Arbitration rulings for Preventing Collisions at Sea and relevant Article 94 of United Nations Conventions of the Law of the Sea the key international legal agreement that governs the International oceans.

Illegal military installations in disputed South China sea is in contravention of International Tribunal Ruling hereby affirmed "There was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the 'nine-dash line'," the Permanent Court of Arbitration said referring to a demarcation line on a 1947 map of the sea." China cannot claim historic or other rights within the “nine-dash line” beyond the territorial seas, EEZs, and continental shelves as enshrined by UNCLOS.

China refused to abide by the decision of international tribunal rulings on disputed south China sea dispute. China never accept a ruling against it in a key international legal case over strategic reefs and atolls that Beijing claims would give it control over disputed waters of the South China Sea appears to be a that China should bear all the consequences of abusing the UNCLOS. Such an act can neither generate any validity in international law, nor create any obligation on China.

Military moves by China pose threat to Freedom of Navigation and Freedom for Overflight in SCS. Experts across the world have been repeatedly urging China to uphold UNCLOS in settling SCS disputes. It is important to recall 2016 UNCLOS verdict which went against Chinese claims.

We strongly warned against Beijing’s extensive land reclamation efforts, warning that island development and a military buildup could lead to regional conflict to a heightened level and would result into international implications. unauthorised intervention in the internal affairs of any other nations who have overlapping claims on south China sea during conflict situations should be avoided, stressing that peaceful settlement of disputes is key in maintaining global security and promoting rule of law.

We have vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on a international rules-based order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, ensures freedom of navigation and overflight as well as unimpeded lawful commerce, and seeks peaceful resolution of disputes...without resorting to threat or use of force.

India supports freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS...As a State Party to the UNCLOS, India urges all parties to show utmost respect for the UNCLOS, which establishes the international legal order of the seas and Oceans. 

We wants the crucial sea lane to be treated as international waters. We would hold China to account if Beijing chose to go against international rules and norms, without elaborating. We supports the peaceful resolution of disputes among claimants in accordance with universally-recognised principles of international law, including UNCLOS, without resorting to the threat or use of force.

India believes that States should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability.

India supports freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS...As a State Party to the UNCLOS, India urges all parties to show utmost respect for the UNCLOS, which establishes the international legal order of the seas and Oceans. We called for equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

Quadrilateral Alliance-India-Asean Nations would stand up to China to defend international peace, International rule of law, sovereignty & territorial integrity. It would be serious India & International transgression to china at this critical juncture if China violated geopolitical disputes & showing no signs of solving the diplomatic tensions in a more coherently manner.

In fresh show of naval force in the contested South China Sea, a Quadrilateral Alliance USA, China, Japan and India held joint navy exercise in disputed South China sea where China is flexing its muscle. US guided missile destroyer conducted drills with a Japanese aircraft carrier, two Indian naval ships and a Philippine patrol vessel in the waterway claimed by China. We conduct such freedom of navigation operations in international waters around the world in accordance with international law on oceans and norms even in seas claimed by its allies, without political considerations. operation was conducted "to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law. Preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific is a core interest of the India. We are strongly committed to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and security, and defending our territorial integrity. Our territorial sovereignty and integrity, maritime entitlements and rights should not be compromised.

Quadrilateral Alliance are committed to a “free, open, transparent, rules-based, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law…freedom of navigation and overflight…are respected". Third, to ensure these freedoms, India would contribute to maintaining “maritime safety and security…as enshrined by UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea) and relevant international laws". China’s behaviour in the region is, clearly, the impetus behind this articulation and, in Singapore, We hoped the two could “work together in trust and confidence".

We have emphasized the importance of self-restraint, non-militarisation and observance of international legal obligations in good faith, respect for sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the coastal states, and rule of law in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS and avoidance of activities that may escalate tensions. The two sides underlined their support for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and agreed to enhance efforts towards the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is effective, substantive, and consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.”