By Jennie Welch
The following multimedia presentation prepared by the CSIS Freeman Chair reviews key moments in U.S. – China relations during an eventful 2012. The presentation is best viewed in full screen on a web browser. After starting the Prezi please click the full screen window in the lower right corner and explore the timeline and videos as they load. Enjoy!
Ms. Jennifer Welch is a Research Intern with the CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies.
1/ Jennie Welch left out the dispute in the South China Sea between China and Vietnam, which has been the main concern for the region up until today. China has repeatedly violated the international law of the sea treaty when it harassed Vietnamese fishermen, cut cables of Vietnamese ship, push Vietnamese fishing boat back to sea during stormy weather, even conducting bids on oil blocs in Vietnam’s EEZ. Other Chinese provocative actions include the fishing ban from May to August, and letting tens of thousands of Chinese fishing boats coming out to fish in the contested waters. Disputes in the South China Sea should be recognized and resolved at the International Court of Justice. Global norms and rule of law should be honored.
2/ Hugh White had no rights when he suggested the US to “accommodate China”, to let China having control of Indochina and the South China Sea. In doing so, White undermined the sovereignty of ASEAN countries. We are in the 21st Century, not the 19th Century when colonialism was at its best. It was a shame that international scholars paid attention to White’s false concept of “equilibrium” on the expenses of people in this region. Australia should speak for itself, and not for others. Disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Treaty, not by accommodating China.