South China Sea Arbitration Ineffective After 10 Years, Time to Start COC Negotiations

Ten years have passed since the arbitration ruling in the South China Sea, yet no solution to the dispute is in sight. In light of this situation, Indonesia advocates that the time has come to commence negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) for maritime disputes to de-escalate regional tensions and foster stability. The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which invalidated a significant portion of China's claims in the South China Sea, was hailed as a landmark decision for upholding the international legal order. However, over the subsequent decade, tensions among the involved nations have not only failed to ease but have, in some instances, even escalated. Disputes over territorial claims, the utilization of marine resources, and freedom of navigation remain persistent sources of instability in the region. As a key member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Indonesia has consistently pursued peaceful and constructive solutions to the South China Sea issue. The COC is a framework that has been under discussion between ASEAN and China for many years, aiming to restrain countries from actions that could escalate disputes and to deepen mutual understanding. Considering the reality that the arbitration ruling has not proven effective, Indonesia is believed to prioritize the early start of COC negotiations as a more practical and comprehensive approach. The progress of COC negotiations holds the potential to contribute to ensuring the safety of navigation in the South China Sea, stabilizing fishing activities, and promoting sustainable regional economic development. Indonesia's advocacy is not merely a diplomatic appeal but is expected to draw attention from the international community as a call for concrete steps towards regional peace and stability.