[COLUMNIST] Charting our course in a multipolar world: A resolute stand on territorial dispute
Rahman Hussin
July 3, 2023 09:00 MYT
July 3, 2023 09:00 MYT
Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, May 21, 2015. - US Navy/via Reuters/Filepic
IN the intricate tapestry of our multipolar world, where the equilibrium of power perpetually teeters, it is paramount that nations stand unwavering in the defence of their territorial sovereignty.
As a seasoned expert in geopolitical and security affairs, I implore our distinguished Members of Parliament and the Government to recognize the pressing need to adopt an unyielding position on territorial disputes, particularly considering the ongoing infringements on our sovereign rights.
The recent events unfolding in the South China Sea serve as a stark reminder of the gravity of this issue. The arrival of the China Coast Guard's vessel, CCG 5402, at Luconia Shoals, an area within the Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone off Sarawak on the 16th of June 2023, and the China survey ship Haiyan Dizhi Ba Hao, escorted by China Coast Guard’s vessel CCG 5202 on the 21st of June, marks yet another instance of territorial encroachment*.
The CCG's reported 316-day patrol of Luconia Shoals in 2022 is indicative of a deliberate and systematic
pattern of behaviour, rather than isolated incidents.
Such territorial intrusions pose a significant threat to our national security and economic interests, while simultaneously undermining the rule of law and the international norms established to regulate the conduct of nations.
These norms, embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), are of utmost importance, and any transgressions should be met with zero tolerance. It is our duty to ensure that appropriate diplomatic, legal, and, when necessary, economic repercussions are enforced to deter
further violations.
In this evolving multipolar world, where nations continually jostle for dominance, it is essential that we strategically navigate these intricate dynamics. I propose the following key recommendations to address these challenges:
1. Multi-tiered Diplomacy: Diplomacy should serve as our primary bulwark in peacefully resolving disputes. We must engage in constructive dialogue with the concerned parties, while simultaneously leveraging international platforms for negotiation and dispute resolution. This includes engaging with global entities like the United Nations, as well as regional bodies such as ASEAN, to rally broader support for our position. Our diplomatic efforts should be persistent and consistent, ensuring that our voice is heard and our stance is clear.
2. International Legal Mechanisms: We should fully utilize international legal mechanisms to assert and safeguard our rights. The successful legal recourse taken by the Philippines against China in the South China Sea dispute serves as a potent precedent, underscoring the potential for achieving a favourable outcome through international law. We must be proactive in seeking legal redress and not hesitate to use the legal tools at our disposal.
3. Strengthening Defence: The presence of our patrol vessels, such as the Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Keris, serves as a crucial deterrent against potential encroachments. To ensure effective protection of our sovereignty, it is vital that we continue to invest in and enhance our military capabilities. This includes not only maintaining a strong naval presence but also investing in advanced technology and training to ensure our forces are prepared for any eventuality.
4. Building Alliances: In a multipolar world, alliances play a pivotal role. Forming strategic partnerships with like-minded countries facing similar challenges can not only provide collective security but also amplify our voice on the global stage. This, in turn, can foster greater international cooperation and contribute to more effective collective action. Our alliances should be based on shared values and mutual respect, ensuring that they are both strong and sustainable.
5. Economic Sanctions: As a last resort, economic sanctions can serve as a powerful tool in deterring violations of international law. While such measures should be taken judiciously, they remain an option in our arsenal for maintaining territorial integrity. We must be prepared to take tough decisions when our sovereignty is at stake, even if they involve economic costs.
To navigate the complexities of the current global landscape, we need a balanced and pragmatic approach. It is crucial that we remain firm on our principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also nurturing diplomatic relationships and fostering cooperation on shared global challenges.
The responsibility we bear extends beyond the protection of our immediate national interests; it involves shaping a world in which respect for international law becomes the norm, not the exception.
In closing, I strongly urge our government to adopt a firm stance on territorial disputes and encroachments. By doing so, we not only safeguard our national interests but also contribute significantly to a more peaceful, stable, and equitable global order.
Upholding and advocating for the rule of law ensures that the international community respects the sovereignty of nations and refrains from actions that destabilize the geopolitical landscape.
Our national security and economic prosperity are inextricably linked to the peace and stability of the regions we inhabit. The Luconia Shoals incident should serve as a stark reminder that maintaining our territorial integrity is not merely about protecting our physical borders, but also about securing our economic resources and future development potential.
Moreover, the strategic alliances we forge today will shape our ability to negotiate and protect our interests in the future. The international community can be an invaluable ally in this endeavour.
Therefore, cultivating robust relationships with other nations, particularly those with shared values and interests, is of paramount importance. We must also remain vigilant and proactive in bolstering our defence capabilities.
While we must always strive for peaceful resolution through dialogue, we must also be prepared to protect our sovereignty when necessary. This includes maintaining a state of readiness and ensuring that our defence forces are equipped with the necessary resources and capabilities.
In addition, while we inhabit a world of interconnected economies where sanctions could have far reaching consequences, we must not shy away from considering economic measures to protect our sovereignty. Sanctions, when used judiciously, can serve as a potent deterrent against violations of international law.
In conclusion, the complexities of the current multipolar world demand a firm and strategic approach to territorial disputes. As Members of Parliament and the Government, you bear the responsibility to ensure that our country navigates these challenges with wisdom and assertiveness.
By adopting a firm stance on territorial disputes and encroachments, we can protect our national interests and contribute to a more peaceful, stable, and equitable global order. Our actions today will shape the geopolitical landscape of tomorrow, and it is our duty to ensure that this landscape is one of peace, stability, and respect for international law.
* Rahman Hussin has over 10 years of experience in the public affairs and political arena. His interest includes urban poverty, security, geo politics and global affairs.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.