Sharing the Resources of the South China Sea »

This book offers several possible regional interim solutions to the South China Sea disputes. All of the national claims to both islands and ocean space in the area have weaknesses. An interim solution is needed urgently because the status quo is dangerous and unstable, because of unilateral actions by the claimants and continuing opportunities for involvement by outside powers. A regional multinational solution for part of the area is proposed because other alternatives do not appear to be practical. The creation of a regional multilateral resource management body has the potential to reduce the tension currently rife in the region. Many international and regional precedents provide valuable lessons for regime building in the South China Sea. The options presented are only illustrations designed to stimulate constructive discussion on a comprehensive multilateral interim solution to these difficult and dangerous disputes. This book should be helpful to decision-makers, negotiators, and academics desirous of a peaceful solution to these disputes.