“ASEAN and the South China Sea: Contested Space, Diplomacy, and Regional Order” Short Course Program 2026

The South China Sea is a vital international maritime route, rich in natural resources and central to global economic, security, and geopolitical interests. A significant portion of global trade passes through these waters, making regional stability crucial not only for Southeast Asia but also for the global economy. In this context, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member states hold strategic stakes.

At the same time, the region is marked by overlapping territorial and maritime claims involving several ASEAN member states. These disputes extend beyond sovereignty issues to include access to energy resources, fisheries, and strategic influence, posing serious challenges to regional peace, security, and ASEAN unity. Understanding both ASEAN’s collective stance and the diverse national perspectives of its member states is therefore essential, particularly as ASEAN continues to serve as a key diplomatic platform for managing tensions and promoting peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law.