The South-China Sea Dispute and South East Asia’s Dilemma: Strategic and International Law

The strategic and economic importance of the South China Sea in international affairs cannot be overstated: it contains lucrative natural resources in fisheries, oil and natural gas, and encompasses vital shipping lanes interconnecting Asia. The South China Sea Disputes have recently become an increasing source of tension between the US and China, and between China and some of its neighbours. Join Asiatic Affairs and Diplomacy Society on February 25th at 12:00 GMT for a discussion about the long-standing South China Sea conflict, as we explore the multi-faceted strategic and legal aspects of the dispute, and its geopolitical importance in international relations. The impact of the South China sea disputes on intra-ASEAN relations, regional security and maritime stability in the region will also be analysed. About the Speakers: Mr Darmawan from the Universitas Indonesia will be discussing the international law framework of the South China Sea. This includes the basis behind the different claims made by the countries, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) and the possibility of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea being implemented in the future. Dr Cheng-Chwee from the University of Malaysia and John Hopkins Foreign Policy Institute will analyse how Southeast Asian countries hedge between the US and China in light of growing power rivalries, and the US' evolving Indo-Pacific strategy.