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Quiet Diplomacy Could Ease South China Sea Tensions

13 Jul,2023 Download Pdf 7 Min Read

Quiet Diplomacy Could Ease South China Sea Tensions

What is Quiet Diplomacy?

“Quiet diplomacy” refers to one state’s efforts to influence the behavior of another state through discreet negotiations or actions. Quiet diplomacy operates behind the scenes and may rely on back channeling rather than on public talks. It may also involve deal making and strategic partnerships, involving more carrots than sticks. Quiet diplomacy can also bringing indirect influence to bear on a nation’s leaders through meetings with members of civil society.

Small nations often rely on quiet diplomacy, because they don’t have the military or economic clout to intimidate other nations. But large, powerful countries like the United States also use quiet diplomacy. The expression is close to Theodore Roosevelt’s famous suggestion, “speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Quiet diplomacy allows powerful countries to offer carrots while still reminding others that the stick is still there. Back in 2007, for example, the Bush administration was looking to expand its influence in South America and counter the influence of Venezuela’s left-wing president, Hugo Chavez. President Bush went on a tour of South American nations, meeting with leaders to tell them about the kinds of aid the United States could offer them.

South China sea (SCS) issue: The EEZ of countries of ASEAN grouping and China is overlapping.

China
1. claims territories within the nine-dash line including the Paracel and Spratly islands based on its historical rights over the region.
2. Has constructed artificial islands and stationed its naval bases.
3. Claims fishing rights and resource exploration rights in the region.
The neighbouring countries also lays claim to territories in the South china sea
1. Philippines - on Scarborough shoal, Spratly islands based on UNCLOS-EEZ rights and geographical proximity.
2. Vietnam -on Paracel & Spratly islands based on its historical rights since the 17th century.
3. Malaysia and Brunei also claim territories in South china sea based on UNCLOS-EEZ

2016 Arbitral award - Verdict on Philippines case against China's expansionism in SCS in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
1. China's claim to resources in SCS historically is unfounded.
2. China has caused irreparable harm to the maritime environment in SCS through land reclamation and development activities
3. China has violated sovereign rights of the Philippines - fishing, petroleum extraction, artificial island constructions

But, China withdrew from the case proceedings in 2013 and refused to accept the tribunal's judgment.

What was the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

The arbitration process considered various aspects, including maritime rights, the status of specific marine features, historical rights, and the legality of certain Chinese actions in the South China Sea, which Manila deemed as unlawful.

According to UNCLOS Article 296I, the tribunal’s decision is considered “final and binding.” The PCA rejected China’s claim of historical rights in the South China Sea and the unanimous decision favoured the Philippines.

The tribunal also declared that any previous claims to resources within the “nine-dash line” were not grounded on a legal basis.

It concluded that China’s development and land reclamation activities had significantly altered the reefs, which violated its commitments under UNCLOS.

The tribunal further criticised China for causing irreversible damage to the marine environment and destroying evidence of the natural condition of features in the South China Sea.

The tribunal found China guilty of violating the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by interfering with fishing and petroleum exploration, constructing artificial islands, and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from operating in the area.

The tribunal also determined that China had no legal basis to assert historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling under the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

What is the importance of the South China Sea?

The South China Sea holds significant importance as a crucial maritime passageway connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It plays a vital role in global geopolitics, economy, and strategic interests.

Maintaining free and stable maritime routes is essential for global trade and the world economy.

India's interests in the region
1. SCS is a crucial maritime junction for shipping between Pacific and Indian oceans.
2. Naval base stationed in SCS Islands can help China realize the 'String of Pearls' concept.
3. China's dominance and non-adherence to international law is against India's principles of commitment towards global rule and order.
4. India wants 'freedom of navigation in sea and over air' in the SCS region.

The PCA's verdict has not brought changes in ground realities in SCS due to assertive China that is disobeying international law. 'Quiet diplomacy' through a political framework solution arrived through dialogue among ASEAN partners is required to solve the SCS issue.

What is the news?

During the fifth meeting of the Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in New Delhi on June 29, the Foreign Ministers of India and the Philippines, S. Jaishankar and Enrique Manalo, respectively, discussed enhancing the bilateral partnership between the two countries. The meeting focused on maritime cooperation and addressing the South China Sea issue

Central Idea

With a shared history of diplomatic relations spanning nearly 75 years and common maritime interests, the External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo, laid out a roadmap to enhance the bilateral partnership in the 21st century.

Significance and developments emerged from the meeting

Establishment of a resident defense attaché office in Manila: The decision to open a resident defense attaché office in Manila reflects a deeper commitment to defense cooperation between India and the Philippines. This move will facilitate closer coordination, information sharing, and joint defense initiatives.
Increased collaboration between the Coast Guards: The Coast Guards of India and the Philippines will enhance their collaboration, aiming to strengthen maritime security in the region. This includes joint patrols, information exchange, and joint operations to combat maritime threats.
Manila’s acquisition of naval assets with concessional credit from India: To bolster its maritime capabilities, the Philippines will acquire naval assets with the help of a concessional line of credit extended by India. This support will enhance the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities and contribute to maintaining regional stability.
Expanded training and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster responses: Both countries will expand their training programs and conduct joint exercises focused on maritime security and disaster response. This cooperation will enhance operational readiness and preparedness to address maritime challenges, including disaster relief efforts.

How Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions

Confidence-Building Measures: Quiet diplomacy can facilitate the implementation of confidence-building measures among the claimant states. This can include agreements on joint military exercises, information sharing, or cooperative initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and building trust.
Open Communication: Quiet diplomacy allows for confidential and discreet communication between stakeholders, such as China and the claimant states. It provides a platform for open dialogue where concerns and perspectives can be expressed, leading to better understanding and the potential for resolving differences.
Mediation and Facilitation: Quiet diplomacy may involve the engagement of neutral third-party mediators or facilitators who can assist in bridging differences and guiding the negotiation process. These mediators can provide a neutral perspective, offer expertise, and help facilitate constructive dialogue among the stakeholders.
Informal Track-II Diplomacy: Quiet diplomacy encourages informal exchanges and dialogues between academic experts, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. These interactions can provide alternative perspectives, generate innovative ideas, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
Crisis Management: Quiet diplomacy can be applicable during times of crisis or heightened tensions in the South China Sea. It allows for confidential crisis management talks between relevant parties, enabling swift and discreet negotiations to de-escalate tensions and seek temporary agreements

Conclusion

By committing to a rules-based order and emphasizing the significance of international law, India underscores its commitment to regional stability and peace. The need for dialogue, political frameworks, and unity among ASEAN nations is crucial to achieving a peaceful resolution in the South China Sea, protecting vital maritime commons, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global trade.