South China Sea: International Law and Geo-Strategic Challenges

The recent Japan-India-Australia-US Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) summit (May 20, 2023- Hiroshima) is an indication that diplomatic partnership of four countries is now effectively combating Chinese influence in South China Sea. Japan had hosted last summit also in May, 2022 when leaders of four-nation alliance expressed serious concern over unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas and reaffirmed to strengthen the foundations of international order with particular reference to Indo-Pacific emphasizing that the “centerpiece of the international order was international law, including the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. All countries must seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.” Clearly, the combined resolve has proved wrong the assertion of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that QUAD was a ‘headline grabbing’ exercise which will ‘dissipate like sea foam’. He had also charged US with creating an ‘Asian NATO’ (in the form of QUAD).