The document discusses maritime security and geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. It covers China's maritime strategy and its claims in the South China Sea using the nine-dash line concept. It describes China's island colonization efforts and maritime disputes in the East China Sea. The document concludes by calling for sharing of international laws, resolving claims through legal forums, increased surveillance of risky areas, military improvements in pro-Western nations as an insurance policy, and greater EU involvement in the region.
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
1. Rome 27 February 2017
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in
the Asia-Pacific Region
Rear Admiral (ret.) Michele COSENTINO, Italian
Navy
International Affairs Institute
2. Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
Chinese Geopolitic: The past ...
... and the present
3. Maritime ‘dimension’ and security agreements
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
4. The maritime strategy of the People’s Republic of China
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
5. The “nine-dash line” concept
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
6. The South China Sea - Claims in the Exclusive Economic Zones
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
7. Maritime shipping in the South China Sea - Crude oil flows
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
8. … and after (January 2015)
Before (November 2014) …
Fiery Cross Reef
The “island colonisation”
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
9. Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
Maritime disputes in and air claims over the East China Sea
12. … and “high-level mil-mil
engagements”
Maritime Security and Geopolitical Dynamics in the Asia-Pacific Region
Political dialogue …
13. Conclusions
• Sharing of international laws (UNCLOS)
• Claims to be solved within internationally-recognised legal fora (e.g.
International Tribunal of Hamburg)
• Persistent and continuous surveillance in riskier areas (e.g. Korean
Peninsula and adjacent waters, East China Sea, and South China Sea)
• Military improvements in pro-Western Nations = insurance policy
against potential military engagements
• Involvement of EU as a key world player
• People’s Republic of China - Inescapable social, economic and military
consolidation
• The most dangerous threat
• Enhancement of cooperation between Bejing and Moscow
Editor's Notes
CLAIMS RAISED BY THE PRC AND OTHER COUNTRIES FOR THE SOVEREIGNITY AND COMMERCIALI EXPOLOTATION IN THE SOUTH CINA SEA HAVE GENERATED A SCENARIO OF POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND CONFRONTATION. ON ONE SIDE, THE PRC IS TRYNG WITH SEVERAL MEANS, INCLUDING MILITARY MEANS, TO COERCE THE OTHER COUNTRIES. ON THE OTHER SIDE, THESE COUNTRIES ARE TRYING TO COPE WITH WHAT THEY PERCEIVE AS A THREAT TO THEIR RIGHTS. AND ALSO THESE COUNTRIES ARE IMPROVING THEIR MILITARY FORCES.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IS SHOWN IN THIS SLIDE.
THROUGHOUT THE SCS FLOWS ENERGY SOURCES, MAINLY CRUDE OIL, THAT FEED THE ECONOMIC OF ALL COUNTRIES IN THE FAR EAST, INCLUDING PRC, JAPAN, AND SOUTH KOREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SCS IS ALSO USED FOR EXPORTING TO EUROPE, THE GULF AND OTHER COUNTRIES PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED IN CHINA, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA.
THE MAP SHOWS ALSO THE LOCATION OF SINGAPORE, A STRATEGIC CHOKE POINT FOR INBOUND AND OUTBOUND MARITIME TRADES IN THE FAR EAST.
IN OTHER THE SCS HAS A STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE FOR ALL COUNTRIES IN THE REGION WHICH HAS TO BE SAFEGUARDED WITH ALL POSSIBLE MEANS, INCLUDING MILITARY FORCES.
TO REINFORCE ITS CLAIMS IN THE SCS, CHINA HAS ADOPTED A STRATEGY OF ISLAND COLONISATION.
IT IS MADE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL ISLAND IN MANY ATOLLS AND LAGOONS EXISTING IN THE SPRATLEY AND PARACELS ARCHIPELAHOS EXISTING IN THE SCS.
EACH ISLAND IS THEN PROVIDED WITH MILITARY INFRASTRUCTURES, SUCH AS BARRACKS, COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, RADAR, HARBOUR, MISSILE SITES AND AIRFIELD TO FACILITATE THE DEPLOYMENT OF NAVAL AND AIR FORCES FROM CHINA.