How Other Countries Respond to China's Assertiveness in the South China Sea
- Cyberwatch UNLTD
- Aug 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 19
The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea have drawn varied responses from countries in the region and beyond. While China asserts control over large portions of the sea, using the Nine-Dash Line to justify its claims, the international community has expressed a range of reactions. These responses are shaped by factors such as national security interests, economic relationships, international law, and regional alliances.
Here’s an overview of how key countries and regions are responding to China’s actions in the South China Sea:
1. Southeast Asian Claimants: Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia
Philippines: A Direct Challenge
The Philippines has been one of the most vocal opponents of China’s claims, particularly since the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which declared that China’s historic rights under the Nine-Dash Line have no legal basis under UNCLOS. Although China rejected the ruling, the Philippines, under both the Aquino and Duterte administrations, has sought to uphold the decision.
Diplomatic Engagement and Pushback: The Philippines has increased its diplomatic efforts, seeking support from international partners and organizations to counter China’s presence in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), especially near the Spratlys and Scarborough Shoal.
Militarization of Disputes: Despite being cautious during the Duterte administration, which sought warmer relations with China, the Philippines has continued to engage in joint military exercises with the United States and Australia, signaling that it will defend its interests.
Vietnam: A Long-standing Rivalry
Vietnam has a historical rivalry with China, especially concerning the Paracel Islands, which both countries claim. Vietnam has consistently challenged China’s maritime assertiveness in the region, particularly over China’s construction of artificial islands and military installations.
Public and Diplomatic Stance: Vietnam has been vocal in regional forums like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and UN meetings, calling for the respect of international law and the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Increased Military Presence: Vietnam has also strengthened its defense capabilities, conducting joint exercises with regional powers and enhancing its own military presence near the disputed islands.
Malaysia & Brunei: Regional Diplomacy
Malaysia and Brunei have been less publicly vocal but have pushed back through diplomatic channels. Both countries' claims in the South China Sea overlap with China's, though they are less confrontational in their approach.
Economic Ties with China: Malaysia, with its significant trade ties to China, faces a delicate balancing act. While it asserts its maritime rights, Malaysia also avoids escalating tensions through direct military action.
Brunei’s Quiet Resistance: Brunei, with fewer resources and a smaller presence in the region, tends to rely on ASEAN forums and diplomatic engagement to address its concerns about China’s actions.
Indonesia: A Quiet but Firm Response
Although Indonesia is not a claimant to the Spratlys, China's claims overlap with its EEZ near the Natuna Islands. In response to China’s fishing activities in Indonesia’s waters, Indonesia has conducted several confrontations with Chinese vessels.
Firm but Non-confrontational: Indonesia has reinforced its sovereignty over its maritime territories, but it has refrained from direct military escalation, preferring diplomatic avenues and strengthening its naval presence in the region.
2. The United States: Freedom of Navigation and Strategic Partnerships
Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs)
The United States has consistently opposed China's claims in the South China Sea, primarily emphasizing the principle of freedom of navigation. The U.S. Navy regularly conducts Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs), challenging China’s territorial claims by sailing through waters claimed by China, without acknowledging Chinese sovereignty.
Diplomatic Support for Allies: The U.S. has provided strong diplomatic and military support to Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, helping them assert their maritime rights.
Military Presence: The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in the region, including bases in Guam and the Philippines, to ensure it can project power in case of escalations. The U.S. also conducts joint military exercises with regional allies, reinforcing its commitment to counterbalance China's growing influence.
3. Australia and Japan: Regional Stability and Partnerships
Australia’s Firm Stance
Australia has been a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing rules-based international order and supporting the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. While maintaining strong economic ties with China, Australia has taken a more active role in challenging China's maritime claims.
Military Cooperation: Australia participates in joint military exercises with the U.S., Japan, and other regional powers, underscoring its commitment to regional security and stability.
Diplomatic Advocacy: Australia has also advocated for ASEAN unity in addressing China’s actions and ensuring that regional countries can operate freely in international waters.
Japan’s Support for Freedom of Navigation
Japan, as a key regional player, has expressed concern over China's military buildup in the South China Sea, which could affect freedom of navigation in this vital waterway, particularly for Japan’s shipping routes.
Military and Diplomatic Engagement: Japan has increased its defense and diplomatic engagements with Southeast Asian countries, providing maritime security assistance and supporting regional initiatives to counterbalance China’s influence.
Strategic Interests: Given its reliance on the South China Sea for trade and energy, Japan’s support for international law in the region has been robust, with an emphasis on UNCLOS and the need for a peaceful resolution of disputes.
4. ASEAN: A Unified but Divided Voice
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional body that has struggled to present a unified response to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. While all ASEAN members, except for Laos and Cambodia, support international law, there are differing views on how to confront China.
Diplomatic Engagement: ASEAN has pushed for a Code of Conduct (COC) to manage tensions and prevent conflicts in the South China Sea. However, China's reluctance to engage on certain points has slowed progress on this front.
Internal Divisions: Countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia are more vocal in opposing China, while Cambodia and Laos, both of which have closer ties to China, have often acted as more neutral or pro-China voices within ASEAN.
5. International Organizations: The UN and Global Advocacy
The United Nations and other global organizations like Interpol and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have played a role in advocating for peaceful resolution of disputes and the upholding of international law. However, China’s position as a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council complicates efforts to take binding action.
International Law and UNCLOS: International law, particularly UNCLOS, is frequently cited in responses to China’s claims, with many countries arguing that China’s actions violate the convention’s provisions on maritime claims.
UN Tribunal Ruling: The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration remains a key point of reference, even though China has rejected it. Many countries have rallied behind this ruling to promote a legal framework for resolving the disputes.
Conclusion: A Complex and Evolving Situation
The responses to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea are shaped by a variety of factors, including strategic interests, economic ties, regional security concerns, and adherence to international law. While some countries are pushing back through diplomatic channels, military partnerships, and international legal avenues, the situation remains fluid and complex.
China’s growing influence in the region, coupled with its firm stance on its territorial claims, makes finding a peaceful and lasting solution challenging. However, the ongoing efforts by various nations and international bodies to uphold international law and ensure freedom of navigation will continue to shape the trajectory of this critical geopolitical issue.
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