Abstract: Conflict analysis in the South China Sea brings up several fundamental questions. First, can these disputes truly escalate into armed conflict among the states involved? Second, are the instruments and rules of conduct employed in the region effective in conflict management and will they enable the sides to achieve common ground – or will the conflict simmer in perpetuity? Third, will the countries involved in the disputes respect international law and act in accordance with the accepted rules and regulations, or will they take an instrumental, ad-hoc approach to them and break them at their whim and fancy? The South China Sea is a hotbed of rivalry not only among the countries of the region, but perhaps especially between China and the United States. It is important to conduct a closer examination of Taiwan's role in this geopolitical game. We find that Taiwan's unique political and legal status transforms the South China Sea dispute and the careful management thereof into a true matter of “to be or not to be.” Realizing the importance of its maritime interests, Taiwan should be more active in upholding them; however, it should also ensure that its foreign relations with other claimant and non-claimant states remain positive and its initiatives for cooperation remain feasible. Taiwan should send a clear massage reaffirming its commitment to abide by the principles of international maritime law, placing emphasis on its role as a regional peacemaker, leader in regional cooperation, and responsible stakeholder.

Keywords: South China Sea, disputes, international role, UNCLOS

Introduction

The situation in the South China Sea has been quite stable for many years. The countries that are directly involved in the long-standing dispute have turned their attention to domestic problems. The presence of the U.S. Navy in the area has also been an important stabilizing factor. Moreover, the People's Republic of China did not take any significant steps on this issue for a number of years. For a long time, the PRC was unable to successfully push for its own claims on a wider scale. Recently, however, the situation has changed – a fact that cannot be separated from recent changes in China's perception of its own security. It seems that China has shifted its attention from mostly land-based military threats to challenges to its authority at sea.