Chapter 10. Politics, International Law and the Dynamics of Recent Developments in the South China Sea

Abstract

This chapter explores the interests and policies of China, ASEAN, the US and other major powers in the South China Sea, analyses the dynamics of recent developments and envisages their implications for regional stability. Although ASEAN members have divergent interests on the South China Sea, all of them share common interests in protecting freedom of navigation, and regional stability, respecting international law as well as maintaining the solidarity and centrality role of ASEAN within regional security architecture. China's assertiveness in the Sea has made ASEAN claimants countries more concerned about their security and regional stability. The South China Sea disputes have become international issue, being referred by all concerned parties at many multilateral mechanisms. In terms of politics and diplomacy, the U.S engages deeper in Asia Pacific through an increasing number of visits of President, State Secretary and Defence Secretary and other high-ranking officials to the region. Keywords: ASEAN claimants; international law; politics; South China Sea; US