Editorial: Clear strategy needed to resolve island disputes
- Source: Global Times
- [23:54 July 02 2009]
- Comments
Recent tensions in the South China Sea clearly show that China’s well-intentioned but vague policy of “shelving differences and seeking joint development” won’t lead to solutions.
The hostile capture and detention of Chinese fishermen working in legitimate fisheries by neighboring countries has happened repeatedly. Many of the energy-rich sea’s 1,700 islands have been simply grabbed and occupied by other countries.
Recognition of Chinese sovereignty over the South China Sea was discarded by adjacent nations after the 1960s, when abundant oil and other natural resources were found in the region.
China’s policy of “shelving differences and seeking joint development” was proposed in 1984 to further a peaceful resolution of the disputes.
But lacking a clear strategy and a detailed roadmap, the proposal has become an empty slogan and created more confusion and disorder in the already complicated region.
When it comes to thorny territorial and resource disputes, there can hardly be any rationality. Though China’s policy allows for joint development and shared benefits, other countries have sought to occupy some of the islands and present China with a fait accompli as they seek to establish sovereignty. Some nations, like the Philippines, are passing bills to legitimize their claims.
Exploitation of natural resources is more chaotic. US and UK oil giants are making deals with China’s neighboring countries for joint energy development in the region, threatening to turn disputes over the South China Sea into an international issue.
Due to insufficient management and a lack of detailed planning, the country is coping awkwardly with issues stemming from fishing, environmental protection, resources development, and various crises.
Today, China still prefers an approach of politics, diplomacy and strengthened management to tackle the issue. This approach has included measures like sending fishing administration ships to the area to strengthen China’s administrative presence.
China’s strategy should clearly reflect its own interests and clarify those interests to neighboring countries.
A clear strategy of joint development, crucial for the future of the South China Sea, can start with reaching consensus with neighboring countries on jointly developing smaller areas. A shared benefit is the prerequisite for shelving differences.
Gradually expanding joint development could create a foundation of cooperation that would benefit the entire region in the future.
Peaceful joint development can only be made through consultation and negotiation. It won’t be a happy process, but it’s the only way to a final resolution of South China Sea disputes.