A Comparative Assessment Of Philippine And Vietnam Strategies In The South China Sea Conflict Management

Abstract

This study examines the interactions of intra-Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) actors, their strategies, and actions, and offers a conceptual framework to explain current attempts at territorial contestation in the South China Sea (SCS). The conceptual framework attempts to apply a multidimensional management framework to the SCS claims by ASEAN and China. Vietnam has effectively used the multidimensional management framework in its strategies in the SCS and offers valuable lessons to other ASEAN co-claimants, including the Philippines. The strategies of both Vietnam and the Philippines manifest state-to-state channels of interaction. The correspondence between Vietnam’s strategy to the rest of the ASEAN member states indicates the deployment of supra-state-to-state level of interactions. Positive and negative factors interact in the ASEAN Way of Conflict Management as shown by the Vietnamese experience. It is imperative for the ASEAN to strengthen its dispute settlement mechanisms while strengthening the rules-based order based on member states’ interests. An in-depth comparison of Philippine and Vietnamese SCS strategies has shown a strong basis for cooperation in harnessing the SCS energy and marine resources. In 2016, the arbitral tribunal adjudicating the Philippines' case against China in the SCS ruled overwhelmingly in favor of the Philippines. In contrast, Vietnam used hedging tactics. These actions indicate a diversity in strategies for smaller countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines to counterbalance pressure from big countries. Future studies should be able to fine-tune the use of mixed quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the impact of SCS strategies on possible concerted synergized actions. Joint strategies should strengthen and mutually reinforce naval defense capabilities or management of fisheries and marine resources. These potential areas of cooperation based on mutual interest are barely addressed in the literature. The Philippines can develop a more robust strategy and management framework to support the independent foreign policy articulated by the Philippine administrations. The Philippine SCS strategy should be able to protect and assert its sovereignty and national interest, over and beyond the pressures of Sino-American bipolarism.