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The Canadian destroyer HMCS Calgary conducted a mission in the South China Sea in 2018 – Photo: REUTERS
The countries called on ASEAN and China to make efforts to soon complete the construction of an effective COC, in accordance with international law, recognized by the international community.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on the EAS meeting, in which Korea and New Zealand were EAS partners.
Observers say that Canada’s recent termination of free trade agreement negotiations with China reflects the fact that the relationship between the two countries is under extreme strain.
Canadian word markers only
Not only the differences in trade, the two sides are also opaque by the use of Huawei’s 5G network, the arrest by Canada of the company’s director, Meng Wanzhou, the human rights situation in Xinjiang and the politics. from Beijing to Hong Kong.
In particular, the story of the South China Sea has also been featured frequently in the Canadian media. Ottawa’s ability to participate more deeply in the South China Sea hotspot also stems from recent developments related to the increasingly apparent attitudes of the West and its allies in particular.
Recently, more articles have been published about the United States “should acknowledge Canada’s claims in the Northwest Passage” in the Arctic. The Maritime Executive article argues that China’s icebreakers are already present in this area, and this could become a new strategic battlefield.
This website warns of tension in taking China’s act blatantly ignoring its commitment to militarize the Spratly Islands (under Vietnam’s sovereignty) as a suggestion, thus urging the United States to take action. rapid in the recognition of Canadian sovereignty in the Northwest Corridor.
It seems that Canada has one more reason to participate more deeply in the South China Sea and to promote the correct observance of international law at sea.
New Zealand is interested in the South China Sea
Currently, the United States restrains China with a series of initiatives and small coalition groups, of which the Five Eyes (the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom) are just one of them. A formula based on the “quadrilateral of diamond (QUAD)” called “QUAD Plus” is also beginning to be mentioned more, regardless of whether any of them have officially spoken.
QUAD Plus is the name that appears in the Indian press, referring to the four QUAD countries, including USA, Japan, India, Australia and South Korea, New Zealand … Outside of India it has long maintained a balanced approach with China. The nations of the South China Sea, countries like South Korea or New Zealand did not show the view of “side selection”.
However, both countries also emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, stability in the region, not militarizing, not using and threatening to use force, and resolving disputes through peace. average based on international law, including UNCLOS 1982.
This is the content of the consensus of ministers attending the recent East Asia Summit (EAS), within the framework of the 53rd Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers (AMM 53).
The position of the EAS countries is not new, but upholding the rule of law and the need for a legally binding COC is important as China continues to militarize and negotiate. The Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea stalls.
Expert Roberto Rabel from the Center for Strategic Studies (Victoria Weillington University, New Zealand) said that New Zealand has a cautious approach to the South China Sea and only emphasizes the requirement to comply with international law.
However, this South China Sea scholar claimed that New Zealand still benefits from a permanent legally binding COC as it facilitates better cooperation at sea as well as the management of order and wealth. crude oil and the environment.
A legal alliance in the South China Sea may be unknown at this time, but it appears to be the best-founded coalition to curb Chinese aggression, according to almost all countries. Like it or not, it is natural to find a common voice in accordance with international law, complying with UNCLOS 1982.
South China Sea and beyond
