Malaysia and Brunei, by Mr Thomas Benjamin Daniel

Maritime issues have emerged as one of the most important security issues in the Indo-Pacific, driving major powers to strategically adjust their policies towards the region. During the past decade, maritime disputes have escalated to the point where the regional order is being affected and the risk of subsequent armed conflict cannot be entirely ruled out.

Session 2:
Critical security and economic dilemmas for Southeast Asia in the South China Sea

Officially, there are four Southeast Asian states with claims to various areas and/or features within the South China Sea. While Indonesia might be included as a de facto party to the dispute (given that China’s nine dash line appears to conflict with Indonesia’s Natuna gas field and the EEZ), Indonesia’s position and role will be examined in Session 4. The speakers from this session will most notably outline and critique the positions of their respective countries vis-.-vis the South China Sea and will also articulate the key challenges and policy dilemmas generated by their respective disputes (e.g. territorial, resource access, environmental degradation and challenges for trade, aid, and investment). The session also critically assesses the role of ASEAN and its potential contributions in the future. This is important as it is the only organisation that embraces all the Southeast Asian countries (except Timor Leste) and has sought to manage the disputes for over a quarter of a century.

V161182.05