South China Sea Multilateralism: Diplomat

The United States, Japan, India and the Philippines conducted a presence operation in the South China Sea to support freedom of navigation and challenge China’s claims to large swaths that go beyond the boundaries set out by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. “[T]here have been a range of measures undertaken by countries to manage the ongoing situation in the South China Sea, be it developing their own military capabilities, pursuing forms of diplomatic accommodation with China, or working with other like-minded countries to respond, including through presence operations,” writes Prashanth Parameswaran for the Diplomat. Six vessels conducted numerous exchanges, an engagement that underscores Asian support for freedom of navigation and minilateralism – the cooperation of nations on specific goals. Parameswaran warns, though, that such minilateral opportunities do not change the long-term structural dynamics, including China’s militarization of the South China Sea; the caution of many in the region; the divisions within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; or the uncertainty of ongoing US commitment. Nations that operate in the South China Sea must continue to assess the broader trends. – YaleGlobal

South China Sea Multilateralism: Diplomat

Joint activities are underway in the South China Sea among regional states - and must be kept in perspective relative to broader trends
Prashanth Parameswaran
Saturday, May 18, 2019

Read the article from the Diplomat about excercise conducted by the United States, India, Japan and the Philippines in the South China Sea. 

Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran is senior editor at the Diplomat based in Washington, DC, where he produces analysis on Southeast Asian political and security issues, Asian defense affairs, and US foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific. He holds a PhD and an MA in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and a BA in foreign affairs and peace and conflict studies from the University of Virginia.

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