Maritime Disputes In The East China Sea: The Tip of the Conflict Iceberg
Maritime Disputes In The East China Sea: The Tip of the Conflict Iceberg
Asia is experiencing a cold wave when it comes to relations between the two Asian giants China and Japan. Japan has just moved to take a more “proactive” role as far as security is concerned. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has agreed to supply Vietnam and the Philippines with naval patrol vessels. This has not gone down well with China said to be embroiled in a maritime dispute with the the trio.
Mr. Abe spoke of the need for strengthening its security role in Asia at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore at a key regional security meet where the US was also present. The need for a more ambitious role for Japan in the current security scenario was discussed by Mr. Abe.
Japan now seeks to play a more vital role in maritime disputes between China and ASEAN nations such as Philippines. From China's point of view, this is not a good development. Of late, China has been facing opposition and conflict from the US regarding certain issues as well. The case of the Chinese espionage charges have frozen relations between the 2 nations. With the US having established a security base in the Philippines, the situation seems to be rife with implications for US-China relations.
In an apparent reference to China over the disputed East China Sea Islands, Mr. Abe also said that attempts to change status quo through force/coercion are being made. People’s Liberation Army Major General Yao Yunzhu has countered this statement as a “nationalist ego behind the thin veil”. He is also the director at the Center on China-American Defense Relations at the Academy of Military Science and he was also present during this dialogue.
China had also clashed with Vietnam over one of the fishing vessels and the deployment of a Chinese oil rig in troubled waters. Philippines has also has its duel with Beijing over claims in the South China Sea. Japan has offered Philippines 10 patrol vessels. Vessels will also be offered to Vietnam. Mr. Abe also looks to develop bilateral cooperation with US, Australia and India.
Chinese official news agency Xinhua has accused Mr. Abe of trying to divide Asia and create conflicts. China also reiterated its commitment to peace through mutually-beneficial cooperation. China has also sought closer ties with ASEAN nations in a peace building initiative.
Perhaps a more calming influence is needed in these troubled relations. As key allies, it is the duty of India as well as Australia and the US to soothe relations between the sparring nations. China and Japan are old rivals and relations between the two bear the deep scars of past conflicts. Vietnam, Philippines and other ASEAN nations must have the right to preserve their territorial integrity as well. Mutually beneficial solutions have only one problem and that is who gets a bigger share of the pie. If equally beneficial mutually acceptable solutions becomes the new goal, the sparring ASEAN nations may find the way to peace at last.
Diplomacy has the power to prevent wars. Careful handling and a healing solution to a war of words can do much to mitigate the tensions and pave the way for peaceful and respectful relations between Asia's leading giants.
