Three-pronged approach needed to manage disputes in S China Sea

In a commentary on the resurgence of nationalism in the South-east Asia region arising from historical claims and repressed grievances, SMU Associate Professor of Law (Practice) Basil C. Bitas wrote about China as an emerging Great Power in the region, such as its influence in rival territorial claims in the South China Sea. Associate Prof Bitas noted that managing such criss-crossing claims and interests will require astute diplomacy and sensitivity to both history and international law, and that ASEAN can play a constructive role by establishing a flexible discussion forum to transform disputes into a procedural modus vivendi. He highlighted the three-pronged approach of individual claimants exercising forbearance; regional groupings such as ASEAN facilitating the movement towards resolving territorial claims; as well as external powers such as the US accommodating China’s rise while safeguarding the interests of less powerful parties, in managing such disputes.