The Urgent Need for Maritime Partnership between Coastal States and User States

Abstract

Maritime security is an essential aspect of regional security, and for the Asia-Pacific region this depends on maritime partnership. So what are the best policy options to reconcile the coastal and user states, and how can they all be brought squarely within the remit of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)? The concept of Asia-Pacific Region Maritime Confidence Security Building Measures (APR-MCSBM) is the only productive approach available, with the primary aims being to preserve freedom of navigation, to ensure the free flow of commerce, and to uphold international law. First, despite the military posturing between coastal states and user states, there is no appetite for a serious military confrontation. Moreover, the regional nations, when not being intimidated by either of the great powers, make it clear that they are eager to discover a less volatile and more practical means of preserving stability in the disputed seas. And crucially, no country wants to see the extensive regional trade and economic relations damaged by chaotic and unpredictable crises in the East Asia Seas.