Maritime Confidence Security Building Measure: Regional Response

Given the uncertain state of contemporary maritime security, the international community should be committed to ensure freedom of navigation, peace and stability on the high seas. In particular, the South China Sea (SCS) is an important sea lane of communication to the Asia-Pacific region that
facilitates the transportation of about one-fourth of the global crude oil including liquefied natural gas to the East Asia. The SCS is also rich in natural resources such as oil and natural gas, and a source of flash point as evident in 1995 because of overlapping claims by littoral states on the Spratly Islands. Therefore, driven by the economic growth in the Southeast Asian countries as well and the need of energy security for East Asia, Maritime Security Confidence Building Measures (MSCBM) is a central feature to promote peace and stability in the SCS. This paper examines three perspectives as the ways forward in promoting MSCBM in the SCS. First, the paper examines the regional and extraregional powers' obligation towards international conventions or agreements. Second, the adoption of the Regional Initiatives like ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation of 1998, and the Declaration Code of Conduct in 2002 (DOC), including the formation of Coast guards by the coastal states, is intended to sustain confidence building measures and maritime cooperation. Finally, the paper examines the modalities of ASEAN in collaboration with extra-regional powers like Japan and the United States to promote capacity building in maritime security. In conclusion, the concerted effort of regional community and strategic partnership with the extra-regional powers further contribute towards peace and stability in the SCS.