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The South China Sea disputes in a Covid and Indo-Pacific context / Éric FRÉCON

Asia’s Post-Pandemic Order and Integration: Outlook of ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific at Crossroads

The South China Sea disputes in a Covid and Indo-Pacific context
Éric FRÉCON, visiting academic, Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Research Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia (IRASEC CNRS)

For years, clashes off the Spratleys and Paracels Islands have given plenty of food for thought, for many conferences. Nowadays, is it time to admit that the South China Sea disputes should fall into the category of the endless conflicts – and that the idea of a proper Code of Conduct is becoming hopeless ? Regarding the big powers, this sea is only one of the numerous frontlines (Mekong, Himalaya, trade/cyber wars). Among the second rank powers, the newcomers seem to see the South China Sea more like a springboard for their own Indo-Pacific strategies. Lastly, even the littoral states, which are obviously directly involved, are divided about the relations with China (sovereignty versus investments… and vaccines). That said, it does not mean to drop its guard. Is a (peaceful) status quo sustainable ? Or just an antechamber to best… or the worst ?

 

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Session 7 / Security Issues and Strategic Challenges in the Indo-Pacific
Chair : Mrs. Gwen ROBINSON (Chulalongkorn University/Nikkei)

Since its creation, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has contributed to the maintenance of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. As Asia is becoming the global center of economic gravity, any conflict in the Indo-Pacific region involving a major power would have a global impact. Does a shared Indo-Pacific geographical understanding can contribute to security partnerships and stability and how can regional powers manage the strategic tensions arising across this wide area ? This session deals with maritime security, but also cybersecurity, as well the sensitive management of water security issues in the Mekong by six countries. At least, the Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar since 2015 and the recent Coup constitute a major challenge to take up. Could the Indo-pacific cooperation play a significant role to manage present and future crisis ?

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“Asia’s Post-Pandemic Order and Integration : Outlook of ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific at Crossroads” is an international conference organized by The Research Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia (IRASEC-CNRS) with the ASEAN Studies Center (Chulalongkorn University) in Bangkok, and the ASEAN-India Centre (AIC), RIS in New Delhi.
8-9 July 2021 - Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok