Jakarta, Aktual.com – The impending official verdict by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PAC) in Hague on China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea will definitely test the international law and world powers. It might also affect the world economically and politically. China had issued warning that it would not adhere to the verdict which is expected to be in favoured of Philippines and because of this, China has been under attacks by many countries.
Looking at another perspective, those who attack China are mostly, allies to the U.S. The U.S. has long been uneased with China’s growing economic power and military power. In 2012 when Philippine President Benigno Aquino III in a tense stand- off against China when it occupied the disputed Scarborough Shoal, the U.S. took the opportunity to suggest for withdrawal of surveillance ships by Philippine and China. Philippine followed but China did not. Therefore, the case was took to the PAC.
In the case of opposition by Japan and South Korea against China, these 2 countries are also allies to the U.S. However, the fear here is 80% of Japan’s crude oil imports sail through South China Sea. Likewise for South Korea, which relying on South China Sea for its crude oil imports. Nevertheless, as South Korea is also a friendly party to China, it has been less vocal in stating its opposition but suggested the matter should be resolved under international legal frame work, accordingly.
Whereas members of ASEAN, have divided views about the verdict. Vietnam is in favour of Philippines, while Cambodia and Laos are in support of China. Other members, such as Malaysia and Brunei have not been vocal about this whereas, Indonesia and Singapore, both stressed upon protecting individual country’s sovereignty. Despite all this and since the issue is within the ASEAN’s territory, all members of ASEAN should be able to resolve this if they look back at the history, the objectives and the fundamental principles of the formation of ASEAN, especially declaration of “Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality”. The ASEAN members’ close relationship with China since the China dynasty era, had seen both sides mostly existed under mutual beneficial arrangements and understanding. Therefore, it is not impossible for this mutual understanding to continue for a few more hundred years.
Although the case was filed by Philippines but with the new government and the new elected President, Rodrigo Duterte, Duterte did express his readiness to open bilateral discussion with China over the issue again. Therefore, if the ASEAN members hold strong to its ASEAN spirits and could recognize in the past, present and in future, the mutual beneficial relationship with this Asia economic super power (China), all issues in South China Sea could be resolved through discussion table without interference from the outsiders.
If the U.S. can demand respect from other countries (its allies) why can’t China command mutual respect from members of Asia or ASEAN? If the U.S. is against any super powers to build military bases near its “front door” / territory, what more for China, with the U.S. having its military bases in Japan, South Korea, Philippines and other places near the territory of China. Asians should not repeat the history and allow themselves to be oppressed by the West again, as how it was way back in history during the Portuguese empire, the Spanish empire and the English empire era. China, being a country highly regarded as the Asia Leader by many Asian countries, should not and probably would not be foolish to destroy the trust, the respect and the cordial relationship it has with these countries since many centuries ago.
Indonesia which is not a party to the claim and independent over the disputes, should take proactive role to lead and jointly with other ASEAN members to initiate peaceful negotiations with China over the South China Sea issues without the U.S. meddling into this region’s affairs because the stability of ASEAN is depending upon mutual respect and support among its members and China and other Asian neighbours.
On behalf of Gerindra party as opposition party in indonesia request President Joko Widodo to engage and bridging Asean members; to discuss and assists solution for peace between Asean Country and China to discuss south China Sea case, The outcome of this matters to strengthen relationship between Asean members rather then the need of another country to resolve such United States of America or United Nations.
By: Arief Poyuono
Vice Chairman of The Great Indonesia Movement Party (Partai Gerindra)
Artikel ini ditulis oleh:
Arbie Marwan
