Quad Slams China, Stands with Philippines Over South China Sea Actions

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) has sent a strong message to China, condemning its recent actions in the South China Sea and reaffirming its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The statement comes after a series of aggressive moves by Beijing, including the deployment of maritime militia vessels near contested reefs and the sinking of a Vietnamese fishing vessel.

The Quad’s Firm Stance

In a joint statement released following their virtual summit on March 11, 2023, the Quad leaders – the United States, Japan, Australia, and India – expressed their deep concern over China’s actions in the South China Sea. They strongly condemned China’s militarization of disputed features and its coercive activities which undermine regional stability and violate international law.

Focus on the Philippines

The Quad’s statement specifically highlighted the Philippines’ concerns over China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, a part of the South China Sea claimed by the Philippines.

Here’s what the Quad had to say:

• “We reaffirm the importance of peace, stability, and security in the South China Sea.” This statement underscores the Quad’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, a direct challenge to China’s assertive actions.

• “We express our serious concerns about the militarization of disputed features, coercive activities, and the use of maritime militia vessels.” The Quad directly addresses China’s actions that have been widely criticized by the international community.

• “We reiterate our support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” The Quad explicitly emphasizes the importance of international law and the need for China to adhere to its provisions.

• “We underscore the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.” This statement directly challenges China’s attempts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, a vital waterway for international trade.

• “We reaffirm our strong support for the Philippines’ right to defend its sovereign territory and its exclusive economic zone in accordance with international law.” This statement is a clear show of solidarity with the Philippines and a strong message to China that its actions will not be tolerated.

Beyond Words: Actions Speak Louder

The Quad’s statement is more than just words. It represents a significant shift in the international landscape and a growing pushback against China’s assertive behavior.

Here’s why the Quad’s stance matters:

• Enhanced Deterrence: The Quad’s strong condemnation serves as a deterrent to further Chinese aggression. It demonstrates the international community’s resolve to oppose China’s unlawful actions.

• Bolstering Regional Security: By backing the Philippines, the Quad sends a clear message of solidarity and strengthens regional security. It reassures other nations that they are not alone in facing China’s challenges.

• Strengthening International Law: The Quad’s commitment to upholding international law, including UNCLOS, reinforces the global order and underscores the importance of peaceful dispute resolution.

• Boosting Global Trade: By safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight, the Quad ensures the smooth flow of goods and services through the South China Sea, vital for global trade and economic growth.

The Quad’s Action: A Case Study of Collective Security

The Quad’s response to China’s actions in the South China Sea provides a compelling case study of collective security.

Here’s how the Quad’s actions illustrate the principles of collective security:

• Collective Action: The Quad’s joint statement demonstrates the power of collective action in deterring aggressive behavior and upholding international law.

• Shared Responsibility: The Quad recognizes the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining regional peace and security.

• Multilateralism: The Quad’s approach emphasizes the importance of multilateralism in addressing global challenges.

• Deterrence: The Quad’s united stance effectively deters China’s aggressive actions by demonstrating the international community’s resolve.

The Road Ahead: A Balancing Act

While the Quad’s stance is a positive step, the situation in the South China Sea remains complex.

Here’s what to watch for in the future:

• China’s Reaction: China is likely to respond to the Quad’s statement, potentially with further assertive actions.

• US-China Tensions: The Quad’s actions may further escalate tensions between the US and China.

• Regional Dynamics: The Quad’s stance will likely influence regional dynamics, potentially leading to further alignment among other countries concerned by China’s actions.

• Long-Term Strategy: The Quad’s actions highlight the importance of a long-term strategy for countering China’s assertive behavior.

Conclusion

The Quad’s recent condemnation of China’s actions in the South China Sea marks a significant shift in the regional security landscape. By standing with the Philippines and reaffirming its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Quad has sent a strong message of collective security and deterrence. The future of the South China Sea will depend on the continued efforts of the Quad and other concerned nations to uphold international law and ensure regional stability.