Posted: December 28th, 2022

How transparent is maritime law and security enforcement in the South China Seas? A legal perspective.

How transparent is maritime law and security enforcement in the South China Seas? A legal perspective.
Maritime law and security enforcement in the South China Sea is a complex and contentious issue, with multiple stakeholders involved and conflicting claims and interests at play. In this context, transparency is an important factor in ensuring the fair and effective application of the law and the maintenance of security in the region. However, the level of transparency in maritime law and security enforcement in the South China Sea is a matter of debate and depends on various factors, including the specific laws and regulations in place, the actions of the parties involved, and the transparency and accountability mechanisms that are in place.
One of the key issues related to transparency in the South China Sea is the overlapping and competing territorial and jurisdictional claims of different countries. China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei all have competing claims over various islands, reefs, and other maritime features in the region, as well as claims to the waters and resources surrounding these features. These claims are based on a variety of legal arguments, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), historic rights, and other domestic laws.
The conflicting claims in the South China Sea can create uncertainty and confusion about the legal rules and regulations that apply in different areas of the region, as well as the authority and jurisdiction of different countries and agencies to enforce these rules. This can make it difficult for businesses and other actors to operate in the region with confidence, and can also lead to misunderstandings and incidents between different parties.
Another factor that affects the transparency of maritime law and security enforcement in the South China Sea is the actions of the parties involved. Some countries have been accused of taking actions that are not in line with international law or that are not transparent, such as building artificial islands or conducting military exercises without prior notification. These actions can create tensions and raise concerns about the intentions and motivations of the parties involved, and can also lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
In terms of transparency and accountability mechanisms, there are various tools and frameworks that can be used to promote transparency in maritime law and security enforcement in the South China Sea. For example, UNCLOS and other international laws provide for the settlement of disputes through peaceful means such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. These mechanisms can help to ensure that disputes are resolved in a fair and transparent manner, and can also contribute to confidence-building and the resolution of conflicts.
Other transparency and accountability mechanisms in the South China Sea include regional organizations and mechanisms such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit, which can provide a forum for dialogue and cooperation among the parties involved. There are also various codes of conduct and confidence-building measures that have been developed by regional organizations and individual countries to promote transparency and stability in the region.
The transparency of maritime law and security enforcement in the South China Sea is a complex and multifaceted issue that depends on various factors, including the legal and regulatory framework, the actions of the parties involved, and the transparency and accountability mechanisms that are in place. While there are challenges and concerns related to transparency in the region, there are also various tools and frameworks that can be used to promote transparency and stability, and to ensure that the law is applied fairly and effectively.