Muhammad Wali Jan

The South China Sea is a vital region for international trade, maritime security and resource exploitation, yet it remains one of the most contentious geopolitical hotspots in the world. The competing territorial claims involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have escalated tensions in recent decades, particularly due to China’s assertive policies. As a regional organization committed to maintaining peace and stability, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces enormous challenges in dealing these disputes. The increasing militarization of the South China Sea, involving not only regional actors but also global powers, has further Hampered  ASEAN’s ability to act as a unified entity.The origins of the South China Sea Disputes are deeply rooted in historical claims and strategic interests. China’s assertion of its “Nine-Dash Line” overlaps with maritime zones claimed by ASEAN member states,leading to Rivalries involving sovereignty and and resource rights. Although an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in 2016, China has continued to militarize the region by constructing artificial islands equipped with military infrastructure. These actions have disturb the balance of power in Southeast Asia, Invoking reactions fromexternal actors like the United States, which seeks to challenge China’s dominance through Freedom of Navigation Operations.ASEANhas a central role in managing the South China Sea disputes but fraught with difficulties. The organization functions based on consensus and non-interference principles, which, while fostering inclusivity, also complicate decision-making on contentious issues. Member states have diverse standpoint on the South China Sea due to their unique geopolitical and economic interests. Claimant states such as Vietnam and the Philippines view China’s activities as  threat to their sovereignty and often seek external alliances to counterbalance China. Contrariwise, non-claimant states like Cambodia and Laos, which rely heavily on Chinese investments, seeks to align with Beijing, even at the expense of ASEAN’s collective position.The militarization of the South China Sea magnify these divisions. China’s deployment of military assets in the region highlight its dominance, while the United States’ strategic presence through naval operations and alliances with regional actors adds to the complexity. Other powers, including Japan, Australia, and India, Have become involvedin the fray, supporting maritime security initiatives that further militarize the region. This foreign involvement, while aimed at maintaining a rules-based order, often make deeper internal divisions within ASEAN, as member states are pressured to align with rival powers.The implications for ASEAN’s unity are Substantial. The inability to form a cohesive stance undermines the ASEAN’s credibility and Undermines its potentialin negotiations with China over a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. Furthermore, the disintegration shifts ASEAN’s focus from economic and developmental priorities to managing external security pressures. Without a united front, ASEAN risks marginalization in shaping the region’s strategic landscape, potentially allowing foreign powers to dominate its regional affairs.To address these challenges, ASEAN must strengthen its internal integration and strategic autonomy. This requires focusing on collective diplomacy over bilateral negotiations that often undermine regional solidarity. Economic diversification is also significant to lower dependency on China, which exerts significant influence over certain member states. Increasing regional defense cooperation among ASEAN member states  can provide a balanced response to militarization without heavily relying on external powers. Furthermore, ASEAN should leverage international legal frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to advocate for peaceful conflict resolution and sustain the region’s stability.The militarization of the South China Sea presents a critical challenges for ASEAN’s unity and its role in regional diplomacy. The bloc must navigate complexity of  geopolitical dynamics with a focus on consensus and integrated action. By adopting a balanced approach that avoids involvement in great power rivalries, ASEAN can maintain its relevance and contribute to a stable and peaceful Southeast Asia.

Muhammad Wali Jan

Student of International Relations at NUML Islamabad

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