An Asia-Pacific Regional Maritime Security: Moving Beyond the Turmoil

Abstract

In this paper some of the longstanding issues are reviewed, and some fresh challenges are also identified; together with an examination of causal factors and the fundamentally divergent perspectives applied by the nations of the region, which render both types of problem highly intractable. An Asia-Pacific regional maritime security is on course to become far more dangerous in the future: with nationalistic fervor driving the expansion of maritime jurisdictions; an over-reliance upon militaristic solutions; and the intervention of external powers, however subtle it may be, provoking quarreling nations to adopt more proactive attitudes toward their adversaries. This is surely the time for the nations of the region to develop clear analysis of what constitutes appropriate regional maritime security and to agree upon a common threat perception. Preventive diplomacy is now imperative, and so clear Rule of Engagement should be established and all possible safety measures should be implemented, to avoid accidental miscalculations over incidents in the disputed seas escalating into catastrophe. There is no constructive alternative to the trust-building processes essential to ensure maritime good order and stability: finding effective solutions will inevitably require the nations of this region, and also third parties like the US, to change their attitudes and their behavior, and to commit to building a rules-based system of maritime security.