The paper analyzes the intersection of three key currents in Asian geopolitics, namely (i) the emergence Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a fulcrum of pan-regional integration, (ii) the evolution of South China Sea disputes as the preeminent geopolitical conflict of the 21st century, if not the site of the next great war; and, (iii) full commencement of the New Cold War between the United States (US) and China, dispensing with four decades of ‘constructive engagement’ vis-à-vis Beijing. 

Promoting marine renewable energy (MRE) and implementation of Emission Control Areas (ECAs) are some of the measures which can be adopted by countries in the Indian Ocean Region and the South China Sea to promote maritime sustainability. Financing sustainable maritime development is also critical for implementing Blue Economy and ‘debt for nature swaps’ provide an innovative financing mechanism to fund sustainable development in the maritime domain.

The protection of marine environment and ensuring the ocean’s sustainability are global issues.  Nowhere are they more important than in the South China Sea, a body of water offering abundant and complex marine ecosystems. Marine citizen science, along with the promise of data sharing and the adoption of the newest technologies, provide pathways to addressing the ocean conservation process, supporting collective and cooperative action and informing policy and public understanding of key environmental issues.

With the theme “40th Anniversary of UNCLOS: Promoting maritime cooperation in South East Asia”, the 8th Ocean Dialogue seeks to discuss maritime issues of common concern in the South East Asia region, promote common understanding of UNCLOS, and explore potential maritime cooperation. The Dialogue will be participated by international experts and scholars in maritime and law of the sea issues, diplomatic missions in Hanoi, and representatives of relevant ministries, government agencies, and research institutions from Southeast Asian countries and beyond. Co-organizers: The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) office, and Australian Embassy in Hanoi  

South China Sea is the subject of interests far beyond the littoral states, for what happens in the South China Sea would have deep consequences elsewhere. Most states also clearly indicate preference to lawfare to other means of contestation, because a rules-based Indo-Pacific is in the interests of all.