Chinese experts have identified key factors contributing to instability in the South China Sea, pointing to external interference and actions by certain claimant countries. At a special forum in Beijing organized by the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), scholars from various research centers and universities discussed the root causes of tensions in the region.
Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Research Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, addressed claims that China's construction on certain islands and reefs in the Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands) had altered the “status quo.” Wu explained that China’s actions are a response to arbitration claims by the Philippines and aim to improve China’s position on islands and reefs under its jurisdiction. “Such measures are both reasonable and lawful,” Wu stated.
Hu Bo, director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies at Peking University, emphasized that China’s claims to sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea have been consistent. He attributed current instability to two main factors: attempts by some claimant countries to alter the status quo, and increased involvement by external powers. Specifically, Hu pointed out that certain countries have undermined commitments made in the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea” by occupying new uninhabited islands or reefs.
Hu noted that the period from the end of the Cold War to 2009 saw greater stability in the South China Sea when external interference was minimal.
Other experts, including Lei Xiaolu from Wuhan University and Zheng Zhihua from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, criticized the 2016 arbitral award concerning the South China Sea disputes. They argued that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction and that the award violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), rendering it null and void.
The experts warned that external powers are attempting to complicate the situation by promoting narratives about freedom of navigation and overflight issues in the region. Yan Yan, director of the Research Center for Oceans Law and Policy at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, stated, “It is external interference that poses the greatest threat to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.” Yan added that interpreting international maritime law to serve national interests is a manifestation of maritime hegemony.
Despite these challenges, the experts believe that the situation in the South China Sea is less tense than portrayed by some media outlets. They called for regional cooperation and adherence to international agreements to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Reference(s):
Experts weigh in on real threats to stability in South China Sea
cgtn.com
