What is Quiet Diplomacy?
1. “Quiet
diplomacy” refers to one state’s efforts to influence the behaviour of another
state through discreet negotiations or actions.
2. It operates
behind the scenes and may rely on back channelling rather than on
public talks. It may also involve deal making and strategic partnerships,
involving more carrots than sticks.
3. Quiet diplomacy
can also bring indirect influence to bear on a nation’s leaders through
meetings with members of civil society.
4. Small nations
often rely on quiet diplomacy, because they don’t have the military or economic
clout to intimidate other nations. But large, powerful countries like the
United States also use quiet diplomacy. The expression is close to Theodore
Roosevelt’s famous suggestion, “speak softly and carry a big stick.”
5. Quiet diplomacy
allows powerful countries to offer carrots while still reminding others that
the stick is still there. Back in 2007, for example, the Bush administration
was looking to expand its influence in South America and counter the influence
of Venezuela’s left-wing president, Hugo Chavez. President Bush went on a tour
of South American nations, meeting with leaders to tell them about the kinds of
aid the United States could offer them.
South China sea (SCS) issue: The EEZ of countries of ASEAN grouping and China is overlapping
1) China
a) claims
territories within the nine-dash line including the Paracel and Spratly islands
based on its historical rights over the region.
b) Has constructed
artificial islands and stationed its naval bases.
c) Claims fishing
rights and resource exploration rights in the region.
2) The
neighbouring countries also lays claim to territories in the South China sea
a) Philippines -
on Scarborough shoal, Spratly islands based on UNCLOS-EEZ rights and
geographical proximity.
b) Vietnam -on
Paracel & Spratly islands based on its historical rights since the 17th
century.
c) Malaysia and
Brunei also claim territories in South China sea based on UNCLOS-EEZ
3) 2016 Arbitral
award - Verdict on Philippines case against China's expansionism in SCS in the
Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
a) China's claim
to resources in SCS historically is unfounded.
b) China has
caused irreparable harm to the maritime environment in SCS through land
reclamation and development activities
c) China has
violated sovereign rights of the Philippines - fishing, petroleum extraction,
artificial island constructions
But China withdrew from the case proceedings
in 2013 and refused to accept the tribunal's judgment.
|
What was
the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA):
1. The arbitration process
considered various aspects, including maritime rights, the status of
specific marine features, historical rights, and the legality of certain
Chinese actions in the South China Sea, which Manila deemed as unlawful. 2. According to UNCLOS
Article 296I, the tribunal’s decision is considered “final and
binding.” The PCA rejected China’s claim of historical rights in
the South China Sea and the unanimous decision favoured the Philippines. 3. The tribunal also declared
that any previous claims to resources within the “nine-dash
line” were not grounded on a legal basis. 4. It concluded that China’s
development and land reclamation activities had significantly altered the
reefs, which violated its commitments under UNCLOS. 5. The tribunal further
criticised China for causing irreversible damage to the marine
environment and destroying evidence of the natural condition of features
in the South China Sea. 6. The tribunal found China
guilty of violating the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) by interfering with fishing and petroleum
exploration, constructing artificial islands, and failing to prevent Chinese
fishermen from operating in the area. 7. The tribunal also determined
that China had no legal basis to assert historic rights to
resources within the sea areas falling under the tribunal’s jurisdiction. |
What is the importance of the South China Sea?
The South China Sea holds significant importance as
a crucial maritime passageway connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It
plays a vital role in global geopolitics, economy, and strategic
interests.
Maintaining free and stable maritime routes is
essential for global trade and the world economy.
1) India's
interests in the region
a) SCS is a
crucial maritime junction for shipping between Pacific and Indian oceans.
b) Naval base
stationed in SCS Islands can help China realize the 'String of Pearls' concept.
c) China's
dominance and non-adherence to international law is against India's principles
of commitment towards global rule and order.
d) India wants
'freedom of navigation in sea and over air' in the SCS region.
The PCA's verdict has not brought changes in ground
realities in SCS due to assertive China that is disobeying international law.
'Quiet diplomacy' through a political framework solution arrived through
dialogue among ASEAN partners is required to solve the SCS issue.
Why is the news?
· During the fifth meeting of the
Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in New Delhi on
June 29, the Foreign Ministers of India and the Philippines, S. Jaishankar and
Enrique Manalo, respectively, discussed enhancing the bilateral partnership
between the two countries. The meeting focused on maritime cooperation and
addressing the South China Sea issue
Central Idea
· With a shared history of diplomatic relations
spanning nearly 75 years and common maritime interests, the External Affairs
Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the
Philippines, Enrique Manalo, laid out a roadmap to enhance the bilateral
partnership in the 21st century.
Significance and developments emerged from the meeting
· Establishment of a resident defence attaché
office in Manila: The decision to open a resident defence attaché office
in Manila reflects a deeper commitment to defence cooperation between India and
the Philippines. This move will facilitate closer coordination, information
sharing, and joint defence initiatives.
· Increased collaboration between the Coast
Guards: The Coast Guards of India and the Philippines will enhance their
collaboration, aiming to strengthen maritime security in the region. This
includes joint patrols, information exchange, and joint operations to combat
maritime threats.
· Manila’s acquisition of naval assets with
concessional credit from India: To bolster its maritime capabilities, the
Philippines will acquire naval assets with the help of a concessional line of
credit extended by India. This support will enhance the Philippines’ maritime
defense capabilities and contribute to maintaining regional stability.
· Expanded training and joint exercises on
maritime security and disaster responses: Both countries will expand their
training programs and conduct joint exercises focused on maritime security and
disaster response. This cooperation will enhance operational readiness and
preparedness to address maritime challenges, including disaster relief efforts.
How Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions
· Confidence-Building Measures: Quiet
diplomacy can facilitate the implementation of confidence-building measures
among the claimant states. This can include agreements on joint military
exercises, information sharing, or cooperative initiatives aimed at reducing
tensions and building trust.
· Open Communication: Quiet diplomacy
allows for confidential and discreet communication between stakeholders, such
as China and the claimant states. It provides a platform for open dialogue
where concerns and perspectives can be expressed, leading to better
understanding and the potential for resolving differences.
· Mediation and Facilitation: Quiet
diplomacy may involve the engagement of neutral third-party mediators or
facilitators who can assist in bridging differences and guiding the negotiation
process. These mediators can provide a neutral perspective, offer expertise,
and help facilitate constructive dialogue among the stakeholders.
· Informal Track-II Diplomacy: Quiet
diplomacy encourages informal exchanges and dialogues between academic experts,
think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. These interactions can provide
alternative perspectives, generate innovative ideas, and contribute to a deeper
understanding of the issues at hand.
· Crisis Management: Quiet diplomacy can
be applicable during times of crisis or heightened tensions in the South China
Sea. It allows for confidential crisis management talks between relevant
parties, enabling swift and discreet negotiations to de-escalate tensions and
seek temporary agreements
Conclusion
By committing to a rules-based order and emphasizing the significance of international law, India underscores its commitment to regional stability and peace. The need for dialogue, political frameworks, and unity among ASEAN nations is crucial to achieving a peaceful resolution in the South China Sea, protecting vital maritime commons, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global trade.
