Need Disputes Turn into Armed Conflicts? East Asia's Maritime Conflicts in a New Environment: Consequences for the European Union

In: European foreign affairs review, Volume 21, Issue Special Issue, p. 65-79

Abstract

Generally, discussions about today's maritime security challenges are placed in a context of the present controversy between China and Japan over islands in the East China Sea, and between China and four Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries over islands and maritime territory in the South China Sea. However, the international community today is confronted with a reality that is different from simple territorial conflict. This reality is governed by the Chinese-US relationship and the impact of globalization on maritime security. In both respects, concerns over developments in East Asia are even more salient than if they were a reflection of traditional regional disputes. Considering the EU's dependence on East Asian developments, it should examine the possibility of a stronger security policy engagement and concern itself more urgently with questions of maritime security in the region.