Maritime Domain Awareness and Strategic Solutions for the South China Sea

By Karl Garcia on August 1, 2024

The West Philippine Sea: (Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Introduction

President Ferdinand "PBBM" Marcos Jr. recently emphasized Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA). In a previous article for the Society of Honor, titled "We are a Maritime Nation," I aimed to underline our maritime heritage by exploring our rich maritime history, current maritime domain awareness, and the modern context of our maritime situation.

In another piece for Maritime Review, titled "South China Sea: A Zero-Sum Undertaking" (2022), I discussed several critical issues related to maritime boundary disputes in Southeast Asia, including the Nine-Dash Line, overlapping maritime claims, and strategies for smaller states to manage their claims against larger powers like China.

Key Issues and Solutions

Maritime Boundary Disputes in Southeast Asia

The South China Sea disputes involve complex territorial claims by various nations, including the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. Key issues include:

- Nine-Dash Line: Initially claimed by the Republic of China (1912-1949) and later the People's Republic of China (PRC), this line overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several countries.

- Specific Maritime Boundaries: These include disputes north of Borneo, along the Vietnamese coast, and in the waters north of the Natuna Islands.

- Strategic and Legal Considerations: Issues of power asymmetry and strategies for smaller states, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, to enhance their leverage against China.

Proposed Solutions and Insights

Several experts have proposed different approaches to address these disputes:

1. Prof. Pankaj Jha's Recommendations (2020):

- Code of Conduct (COC): Establish a high-powered committee to build consensus among ASEAN nations.

- Trilateral Initiatives: Engage in dialogue with claimants and external partners.

- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Develop and release statements to maintain the status quo.

- Treaty of Amity and Cooperation: Formulate a treaty specifically for the South China Sea.

- Universal Appeal: Vietnam should appeal to the international community for support.

2. Mark J. Valencia's Perspective:

- Valencia questions the feasibility of a unified stand against China, suggesting a more nuanced approach that considers China's interests.

3. Bill Hayton's Analysis:

- Hayton advocates for using the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve disputes, drawing parallels with the Malaysia-Singapore Pedra Branca case. The ICJ's approach to sovereignty based on evidence of physical administration can be applied to South China Sea disputes.

4. LCDR Arnold Enriquez's Insights:

- Enriquez highlights the importance of distinguishing maritime boundaries from maritime frontiers. The recent Philippines-Indonesia maritime boundary agreement demonstrates how effective diplomacy and adherence to international law can resolve disputes and promote stability.

The BRP Sierra Madre and Forward Operating Bases

The BRP Sierra Madre (Photocredit: The Vera Files)

The BRP Sierra Madre, intentionally grounded on Second Thomas Shoal by the Philippines since 1999, continues to play a strategic role despite its deteriorated condition. Its status as an active commissioned vessel under Philippine control aligns with UNCLOS provisions for maintaining sovereignty over maritime features.

However, there are ongoing debates about its effectiveness and the need for a more permanent solution. One proposal is to replace the BRP Sierra Madre with a permanent forward operating base (FOB). This proposal, discussed in the article "It's Time to Build a Combined Forward Operating Base Sierra Madre," suggests several key points:

- Chinese Aggression: Increased Chinese Coast Guard activities and aggressive tactics threaten Philippine vessels resupplying the Sierra Madre.

- Strategic Importance: The deteriorating condition of the Sierra Madre raises concerns about maintaining Philippine sovereignty over Second Thomas Shoal.

- Proposal for a Combined Base: Advocates for a permanent facility staffed by U.S. and Philippine forces to enhance operational capabilities and deter Chinese interference.

Marine-Multifunctional-Modular-Mobile (M4) Solutions

An alternative to a permanent military base is the implementation of Marine-Multifunctional-Modular-Mobile (M4) solutions. These innovative platforms integrate multiple functions such as:

1. Renewable Energy Hubs: Combining wind, solar, wave, and tidal energy generation with storage and distribution.

2. Aquaculture: Merging fish farming with energy production or tourism to enhance economic viability.

3. Coastal Protection: Using platforms as breakwaters or seawalls while supporting other functions.

4. Desalination and Water Treatment: Integrating these facilities with marine activities for efficient resource use.

5. Tourism and Recreation: Developing floating platforms for leisure and marine tourism.

Overcoming Challenges

To effectively implement M4 solutions, several challenges must be addressed:

- Regulatory Framework: Harmonizing regulations and providing financial incentives.

- Technological Advancements: Utilizing advanced materials and digital technologies.

- Economic Viability: Developing innovative business models and conducting life-cycle cost analyses.

- Environmental Impact: Assessing environmental impacts and quantifying ecosystem services.

- Stakeholder Engagement: Involving local communities and industry representatives in planning.

Conclusion

The Philippines faces significant challenges in asserting its maritime sovereignty amidst ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. While traditional approaches, such as maintaining the BRP Sierra Madre or establishing a permanent FOB, have their merits, exploring alternative solutions like M4 platforms could offer innovative ways to address both strategic and environmental needs. By leveraging diplomatic strategies, legal principles, and technological innovations, the Philippines can enhance its position and contribute to regional stability.

For further reading and references:

- [Society of Honor - "We Are a Maritime Nation"](https://joeam.com/2024/02/21/we-are-a-maritime-nation/)

- [Maritime Review - "South China Sea: A Zero-Sum Undertaking"](https://maritimereview.ph/south-china-sea-disputes-a-zero-sum-undertaking/)

- [War on the Rocks - "It's Time to Build a Combined Forward Operating Base Sierra Madre"](https://warontherocks.com/2023/09/its-time-to-build-combined-forward-operating-base-sierra-madre/)

- [ICJ - Pedra Branca Case Study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240584402303579X)

- [M4 Case Studies](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370903672_Exploring_multi-use_platforms_A_literature_review_of_marine_multifunctional_modular_and_mobile_applications_M4s)