The Spratly Dispute: A Challenge To Peace In The South China Sea

• Main Author: Radziah, Abdul Rahim
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 1995
• Subjects: JX International law
• Online Access: http://etd.uum.edu.my/748/; https://eprints.keele.ac.uk

The post-Cold War has unleashed a series of skirmishes between states that had been suppressed by the superpowers rivalry. In the South China Sea, the territorial contest for the Spratly Islands between six littoral states - the People's Republic of China (China), the Republic of China (Taiwan), Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei - has flared up and increased tensions among the protagonists. The development in the area is also being observed with apprehension by neighbouring countries and others like Japan and the United States which have interests in the area. An armed confrontation in the Spratly area would disrupt the sea lanes of communication which is vital to the economy of these countries. Informal workshops have been hosted by Indonesia to facilitate the process of problem-solving among the protagonists. Proposals have also been made by scholars to encourage cooperation and joint development in the area. In addition, ASEAN is seeking ways to address the threat to regional stability through its ASEAN Regional Forum.