Geopolitics and Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea: From Competition to Cooperation?
Dr Ralf Emmers

The presentation will examine the geopolitics of the maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea. It will look in detail at the Paracel Islands claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam and the Spratly Islands involving Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It will argue that the territorial disputes in the South China Sea are influenced by three primary geopolitical considerations. The quest for territoriality and natural resources as well as power competition all impact on the disputes and broader regional relations. It is precisely the interplay of these geopolitical forces that can lead to a rapid escalation in the South China Sea or reversely to a diffusion of tensions. The presentation will also consider how the disputes in the South China Sea might be managed and even resolved peacefully, despite the geopolitical conditions that make effective cooperation on these issues difficult to achieve. The prospect for conflict management and resolution will be analyzed by identifying catalysts that might contribute to improving the climate of relations.