The Spratly Dispute: A Challenge To Peace In The South China Sea

The post-Cold War has unleashed a series of skirmishes
between states that had been suppressed by the superpowers
rivalry. In the South China Sea, the territorial contest
for the Spratly Islands between six littoral states - the
People's Republic of China (China), the Republic of China
(Taiwan), Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei -
has flared up and increased tensions among the protagonists. The development in the area is also being
observed with apprehension by neighbouring countries and
others like Japan and the United States which have interests in the area. An armed confrontation in the
Spratly area would disrupt the sea lanes of communication
which is vital to the economy of these countries. Informal
workshops have been hosted by Indonesia to facilitate the
process of problem-solving among the protagonists. Proposals have also been made by scholars to encourage
cooperation and joint development in the area. In addition,
ASEAN is seeking ways to address the threat to regional
stability through its ASEAN Regional Forum.