A Review of Selected Measures for Reducing Potential Conflict Among Naval Vessels in the South China Sea

The South China Sea is an area that is subject to numerous competing sovereignty claims over the many maritime features that exist in the region. None of these claims appear capable of easy resolution, and a number of the States directly involved, as well as States that have an interest in the preservation of passage and overflight rights through and over the South China Sea, have used their military forces as the means by which they have sought to exert influence in this region. Fears that the increased presence of military vessels and aircraft might lead to unintended outbreak of armed conflict have been constantly raised by academic and political commentators with the contention from some that armed conflict is an inevitable outcome of this increased military presence. However, this article undertakes a review of these concerns and reaches the conclusion that the likelihood of conflict inadvertently occurring is low. In particular, the requirement to ensure the continued flow of maritime trade throughout the South China Sea is likely to drive State behaviour away from any desire for armed conflict as a means of resolving the various tensions and claims that exist in the region.