Controlling the Seas in East Asia?
Date
2011-08-29
Authors
Baviera, Aileen
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Volume Title
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Canberra, ACT: The Australian National University - MacArthur Asia Security Initiative
Abstract
THERE IS some debate about whether multilateralism
or bilateralism (including US
military alliances) provides more effective
approaches to security dilemmas facing East
Asia. One might apply this question to the
maritime security challenges in the region.
At least four interlocking layers of potential
maritime conflict exist in East Asia today.
These include: (1) territorial and sovereignty
disputes over islands and atolls in the East
and South China Seas; (2) disputes over
undefined or overlapping maritime boundaries
and legal jurisdiction issues; (3) threats
to maritime safety and sea-lane security;
and (4) military competition for sea control
among major powers.
Most worrisome is the challenge of great
power military competition. Combined, China’s
increasing naval power, the vigorous interest
of the US in asserting naval primacy,
and the growing assertiveness of Japan pose
serious challenges to the future security
architecture of the Asia-Pacific. In particular,
they threaten to undermine the cooperative
security institutions and norms that have
been painstakingly developed since the end
of the Cold War. However, the most urgent
security concerns relate to conflicting territorial
claims among regional states.
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Citation
Baviera, Aileen (2011) “Controlling the Seas in East Asia?” ANU–MASI Policy Background Paper, No. 3, 29 August.
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