Contending views on South China Sea

By Tong Kim

A low-key but serious exchange of views that took place between the United States and China regarding the South China Sea at the Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) May 29-31 in Singapore, shed some light on the fate of the disputed islands between peaceful resolution and military confrontation.

The U.S. view was comprehensive and transparent. It was presented by Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, who called on China and all other state claimants to the disputed islands to halt construction activities ― including reclamation or setting up outposts -- and not to militarize those features. There is no guarantee that China will stop. If this happens, it would be a first step to easing tension in the South China Sea.

He reiterated U.S. support for a peaceful resolution of disputes “through diplomacy, not aggression, or intimidation”, a warning to China’s potential behavior in the future. While clearly opposing China’s changing the geographical map by creating artificial islands, Mr. Carter re-emphasized the need to protect freedom of navigation and overflight critical to global trade. The U.S. is determined to “fly, sail and operate” in the South China Sea as it has for decades according to international law.

At the same time, the defense secretary presented a transparent security network that the United States has been reinforcing through modernizing its alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines, and strengthening security cooperation with regional partners, including India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and others.

Washington believes the alliance has been an essential instrument to a regional security architect to serve as “the bedrock for peace and stability for the Pacific Asia,” contributing to growth and prosperity for all, including China, in Asia. Carter also presented a plan to develop and deploy new technology-based weapons systems in the region to enhance U.S. military capabilities, sending a clear signal that the United States would not back down from future security challenges from China.

A Chinese response was made in an equally comprehensive speech by Admiral Sun Jinanguo, deputy chief of the General Staff Department, People’s Liberation Army. The Chinese admiral argued that “the situation on the South China Sea is peaceful and stable and there has been no issue with the freedom of navigation,” and that China’s constructions were “mainly for improving the functions of the relevant islands and the working and living conditions for personnel stationed there”.

He continued, “Apart from meeting the necessary defense need, it is more geared to performing China’s international responsibilities and obligations regarding maritime search and rescue, and disaster prevention, and other constructive services. China maintains a firm position that the construction projects are within the scope of China's sovereignty, and are legitimate, justified, and reasonable.”

China argues that its reclamation and other construction activities “do not target any other countries and do not affect the freedom of navigation.” Admiral Sun added that there is no change in China’s position on “peaceful resolution of the disputes through negotiation and consultation.” He said China would continue to “safeguard the freedom and safety of navigation.”

China reacts to alliance, which it sees as a Cold War legacy and an instrument for containing China. Instead, China encourages “constructive partnership without setting imaginary enemies or targeting a third party.” China speaks of seeking “common ground, while shelving differences, to defuse disputes and pursue peace, development, and security through cooperation.”

Interestingly enough, there are striking similarities in the rhetoric for peace, security, cooperation, and common prosperity between the views of the two dominant players in the region. Admiral Sun called for “win-win cooperation” by building trust and understanding to avoid confrontation. Secretary Carter called for a regional security architecture in which “everybody can rise and win.” Both speakers spoke of the need to build inclusive partnerships to advance the goal of peaceful cooperation.

On several security and humanitarian issues, the U.S. and China are cooperating as partners-- for example on Iran, the North Korean nuclear issue, and in peace keeping and disaster relief operations around the globe. China says it is committed to peaceful development and to resolutely prevent war, “as devil and nightmare” as seen in history.

China’s rhetorical argument for “peaceful security cooperation for win-win to all” does not resonate as credible to its neighbors, especially with those directly involved the territorial disputes. All responsible members of the international community, including South Korea, are obliged to do whatever it can to prevent a military conflict that would embroil several parties of the region.

The problem with China’s recent behavior is the fact that it has stirred up the tranquility of the South China Sea by taking unprecedented activities of a scale and speed that alarmed its neighbors, who publically spoke up of their concerns. China caused the parties involved in the disputes to look to American assistance, rallying behind the U.S. opposition to any change of the status quo by coercion or intimidation.

In late June, the United States and China will meet in their annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington, in which foreign and finance ministers from both countries will attend. Through frequent dialogue, structured or otherwise, each side knows very well the other side’s position on the issues of mutual interest, ranging from the South China Sea to the Chinese currency.

As major powers, the U.S. and China will discuss not only bilateral issues of building security confidence, transparency, and trade and finance, but also regional, multilateral issues such as the South China Sea and the rule of law. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said nations should respect and treat each other equally. If China fails to fulfill its own dictum in its relations with small nations, it would not be respected by the international community.

In reality, a rising China is not expected to undo the constructions it has built in the South China Sea. Chinese-U.S. strategic competition appears bound to continue, while the U.S. will have to focus on a more robust balancing to assure China’s neighbors of security against potential Chinese intimidation. What’s your take?

Tong Kim is a Washington correspondent and columnist for The Korea Times. He is also a fellow at the Institute of Corean-American Studies.