-
Diplomatic Dialogue: All countries involved in the South China Sea dispute should engage in sustained diplomatic dialogue to seek a mutually beneficial resolution.
-
International Mediation: An independent international body, such as the United Nations, could facilitate negotiations to ensure fair representation and adherence to international law.
-
Shared Resource Management: Parties should consider a shared resource management agreement, which allows for joint exploration and sustainable use of the region's natural resources while respecting the rights of each nation.
-
Legal Resolution: If diplomatic efforts fail, countries should agree to submit their claims to the International Court of Justice or an arbitration panel for a final and legally binding resolution.
Action Plan:
-
Control Designation: Control of the disputed territories should adopt a principle of shared sovereignty, where involved nations, primarily China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, each maintain rights to particular zones based on historical claims and international law.
-
Justification for Control: Control should reflect international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognizes the rights of nations to their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) while promoting peaceful coexistence and resource sharing.
-
Gaining Control: Nations should commit to transparency and good-faith negotiations, allowing for joint development projects in the contested areas. Additionally, they should engage in confidence-building measures, such as military de-escalation and cooperative maritime search-and-rescue operations.
-
Enforcement Mechanism: The international community should establish an enforcement mechanism, supported by credible military deterrents and monitoring by regional security alliances, to ensure compliance with agreements and to promote stability in the region.