The implications of the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) in the South China Sea: A Chinese perspective

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The emergence of China as a major power and its adjustment of foreign policy have raised concerns in the U.S. The Quad, led by the U.S., aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence in East and Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) acts as an important component of its strategy. However, this article notes that the endeavor faces significant challenges, including legal and geopolitical risks, as well as economic and technical limitations. Intelligence-gathering activities may infringe upon the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states, especially within disputed maritime areas. Cooperative enforcement under IPMDA can raise legal questions concerning the transfer of maritime jurisdiction under UNCLOS to non-contracting parties. China perceives the IPMDA initiative as a threat posed by the Quad. The Chinese government is concerned that it could spark renewed criticism of its fishing industry and strain diplomatic ties with neighboring countries. China’s response could entail the establishment of alternative mechanisms and increased transparency in maritime activities. Against the backdrop of intensifying competition between the U.S. and China and ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, the IPMDA could exacerbate existing tensions in the SCS area. The exclusivity of the IPMDA mechanism may not serve the best interests of maritime security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. In this context, China is encouraged to play a more constructive role in defusing tensions.