When it comes to the South China Sea, Australia’s position towards freedom of navigation is clear and unambiguous. As indicated by former foreign minister Julie Bishop, the preservation of free navigation rights and the rights of countries to conduct their own coastal activities are essential for a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes in the region, and for the security of the region more broadly.
Australia’s presence in the South China Sea has been a long-term feature of the region. The country regularly engages in a range of activities here, including surface and air reconnaissance, freedom of navigation exercises, strategic and operational collaboration with other countries, and naval port visits.
The country’s participation in freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) can be traced back to 2014, when Australia took part in a joint exercise with the US and Japan. The operation was aimed at challenging China’s claims to large portions of the South China Sea. Since then, Australia has continued to conduct its own FONOPs, and has become a major player in defending the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the region.
Australia’s FONOPs have been intended to reassert the international consensus on the economic and security importance of freedom of navigation and to oppose the unlawful attempts by China to restrict the freedoms of navigation and overflight accorded to all other countries in the region.
Moreover, Australia is a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which lays out the rules and regulations governing freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. As such, the country is committed to defending freedom of navigation in the region and has repeatedly stated its position in support of the right of freedom of navigation.
In addition, Australia has been vocal in its support of the South China Sea Arbitral Award, and has urged all parties to the dispute to comply with their respective treaty obligations and international law. This stands in stark contrast to China’s position, which has consistently rejected the decision and instead continued to assert its expansive claims.
Moreover, Australian officials have repeatedly cautioned against any unilateral moves that could lead to increased tensions in the region and have consistently called for all disputes to be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law. This has been reflected in Australia’s diplomatic efforts, as well as its policy of encouraging a peaceful resolution to all disputes in the South China Sea.
Role of the US in South China Sea
The United States has long been a major player in the South China Sea, and its posture in the region has been characterized by strong support for the principle of freedom of navigation. For years, the US has conducted freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, and has been a vocal defender of the rule of law in the region.
In recent years, the US has become increasingly vocal in its support for countries in the region who are opposing China’s expansive claims. The US has backed countries like Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia, who have all taken legal action against China’s sweeping claims. This has been accompanied by an increase in US naval presence in the region, and a signal that the US is determined to preserve freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
In addition, the US has been vocal in its criticism of China’s alleged militarisation of the South China Sea and its large-scale land reclamation activities. Furthermore, the US has sought to rally regional support for the preservation of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and has been keen to ensure that all countries in the region are treated on an equal and non-discriminatory basis.
The US has also provided support to countries seeking to challenge China’s expansive claims and has sought to ensure that all countries in the region abide by their treaty obligations and international law. This has included sanctions against Chinese companies, diplomats and state-owned entities, as well as the deployment of additional naval assets in the region.
Australia and Regional Diplomacy
As a key regional player, Australia has advocated for a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea disputes. This has been manifested by Australia’s involvement in various diplomatic forums and international meetings, wherein the country has sought to promote a negotiated solution to the disputes. Additionally, Australia has been vocal in its criticism of unilateral moves that could lead to an escalation of tensions in the region.
This is reflective of the country’s commitment to the stability and security of the region, and its insistence on a rules-based international order. Australia has also sought to build regional consensus on the importance of the freedom of navigation and the right of coastal states to exercise their coastal activities in a lawful manner.
Moreover, Australia has been active in promoting regional dialogue and cooperation in the South China Sea. This is demonstrated by the country’s involvement in regional organisations such as the East Asia Summit and ASEAN, and its participation in various regional initiatives aimed at addressing regional tensions and finding common ground among regional players.
Australia has also taken an active role in the ASEAN Regional Forum, and in various bilateral and trilateral track 1.5 dialogues between the countries of the region. The country’s diplomatic efforts have been focused on fostering a peaceful and stable environment in the region, and in encouraging the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Scientific Cooperation and Maritime Security
Australia has also engaged in various forms of cooperative activity in the South China Sea, including scientific research and maritime security exercises. In 2013, Australia and China collaborated on a joint research program in the South China Sea, which was aimed at increasing the understanding of the marine environment and testing new research technologies.
The country has also engaged in a number of maritime security exercises with countries in the region, such as the South China Sea High Levels Maritime Security Summit (SCSH Summit).Furthermore, Australia has supported a number of initiatives aimed at preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea, such as the trilateral cooperation arrangement between Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.
In this manner, Australia has attempted to promote cooperative engagement and dialogue between the countries of the region, thereby mitigating the risk of increased tensions. This is reflective of its overall policy of encouraging the peaceful resolution of all disputes in the South China Sea.
Economic Interests
Australia is keen to ensure that economic activity in the South China Sea proceeds in a peaceful and orderly manner. The country has consistently argued for the rights of all countries to conduct their own coastal activities in accordance with international law, and for the protection of their legitimate rights and interests.
Additionally, Australia has sought to promote economic development and cooperation in the South China Sea. This is reflected in the country’s support for initiatives such as the ASEAN-China Silk Road Fund, and its involvement in a number of regional economic initiatives, such as the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Corridor.
Furthermore, Australia is a major investor in the regional economy, and is keen to ensure that its economic interests in the South China Sea are adequately protected. This has been evidenced by its vocal advocacy for the preservation of freedom of navigation in the region and for the peaceful resolution of all disputes.
Lessons Learned
Australia’s stance towards the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea has been characterized by a strong commitment to the preservation of freedom of navigation in the region and its commitment to safeguards of peace and stability.
The country has advocated for the peaceful resolution of all disputes, and has sought to rally regional support for the cause. Furthermore, Australia has sought to promote cooperation between the countries of the region, emphasizing the potential for collaboration and economic integration in the South China Sea.
Moreover, Australia has engaged in its own freedom of navigation exercises (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, and has sought to reaffirm the importance of freedom of navigation and the rights of countries to conduct their own coastal activities.
These efforts have been aimed at not only upholding the rule of law in the region, but also at encouraging peace and security in the region more broadly. Australia’s role in protecting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is a testament to its commitment to the security and stability of the region.
Australia and Maritime Disputes
Australia has become increasingly vocal in its opposition to maritime disputes in the South China Sea. This is evidenced by the country’s involvement in a range of initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to these disputes, such as the ASEAN-China Dialogue and the Joint Working Group on the South China Sea.
Australia has also sought to build international consensus on the importance of resolving maritime disputes and preserving freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The country has encouraged regional countries and the international community at large to work together towards a peaceful resolution of all disputes.
Moreover, Australia has sought to ensure that all countries in the region are treated in an equal and non-discriminatory manner. This is reflected in the country’s staunch opposition to China’s expansive claims, and its support for other countries seeking to challenge these claims.
In addition, Australia has been vocal in its criticism of unilateral measures that could lead to an escalation of tensions in the region and has sought to ensure that all countries in the region abide by their treaty obligations and international law. This is reflective of its commitment to the preservation of peace and stability in the region.
International Reactions
Australia’s stance towards the South China Sea has elicited a mixed response from the international community. On the one hand, Australia has been praised for its commitment to the preservation of freedom of navigation in the region and for its support for other countries seeking to challenge China’s expansive claims.
On the other hand, some countries have expressed concern over Australia’s increasing presence in the South China Sea, and have argued that the country’s involvement in regional disputes could worsen tensions in the region. Moreover, some countries have criticised Australia for its perceived attempt to contain China’s rising influence in the region.
Nevertheless, Australia remains committed to a rules-based international order and an equitable resolution of all disputes in the South China Sea. The country has consistently urged all parties to the disputes to resolve their differences peacefully and in accordance with international law.
Australia’s Future Role
Australia has made clear that it intends to remain an active player in the South China Sea, and will continue to voice its opposition to China’s expansive and unlawful claims. In this regard, the country has indicated its support for other countries seeking to challenge China’s sweeping claims.
At the same time, Australia has called for a peaceful resolution to all disputes in the South China Sea and has urged all parties to abide by their treaty obligations and international law. This has been reflected in the country’s diplomatic efforts and its strong commitment to the preservation of freedom of navigation in the region.
Looking ahead, Australia will likely continue to play a key role in the South China Sea. The country has demonstrated its commitment to the preservation of peace and security in the region, and has sought to ensure that all countries in the region are treated fairly and equally.
