Policy options for Australia to support stabilisation and resolution of maritime disputes in the South China Sea

This paper examines the various policy options that Australia could pursue to reduce tensions and work towards stabilisation and ultimate resolution of the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. It argues that the South China Sea is a region of considerable importance to Australia's national interests, and that Australia's future wellbeing is clearly interlinked to resolving the disputes, or at least reducing tension to ensure longstanding stability.

The paper notes that because Australia lacks a direct stake in the disputes—and that China is particularly sensitive to any outside interference—any Australian policy needs to be carefully evaluated with regard to whether it could gain traction with China. It concludes that Australian policy must include proactive and honest engagement with all claimant nations, even where that is resented, and that Australia—while retaining a degree of independence from US policy—needs to strongly support the dispute resolution mechanisms of international law, as well as the rules relating to freedom of navigation.

This paper was also published in the Indo-Pacific Strategic Digest series.

Author