South China Sea as a Global Issue

Despite efforts of certain states, territorial disputes in the South China Sea are becoming increasingly internationalized. Their possible outcomes and major global actors’ interests were discussed at the conference “Security and Cooperation in the South China Sea” held in Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel on October 18.

Despite efforts of certain states, territorial disputes in the South China Sea are becoming increasingly internationalized. Their possible outcomes and major global actors’ interests were discussed at the conference “Security and Cooperation in the South China Sea” held in Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel on October 18.

The event was attended by RIAC President Igor Ivanov, State Duma Deputy Chairman Nikolay Levichev, RIAC Member Vitaly Naumkin, Director of RAS Institute for Oriental Studies, Director of Foreign Policy Planning Department at Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Tokovinin, as well as by analysts from Russia, India, the USA, Australia, Italy and Belgium.

The participants expressed their concern over tensions in the South China Sea, which is emerging as a global confrontation arena between the United States and China. Many believe that the situation’s high conflict potential arises from the arms race in Southeast Asia and significance of the great powers’ interests.

RIAC Program Coordinator Anton Tsvetov offered a different view in his report, insisting that the arms race is by no means a harbinger of an imminent war until the countries’ defense spending remains within certain proportions. The weapons buildup in Southeast Asia only accompanies fast economic growth, while the share of military budgets within GDPs remains the same. The experts also supported the opinion that none of the states is interested in an armed conflict that would be counterproductive for any participant due to its enormous costs.