Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

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Establishing ‘Rule-based Order’ in S. China Sea High on US Agenda

IMOA

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November 20, 2015

ADIZ, Air Defense Identification Zone, Artificial Islands, ASEAN, China, Militarization, Military Conflict, Philippines, Reclamation, Regular Patrols, South China Sea Dispute, Spratlys, USA

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA —

White House officials said establishing a “rule-based order” in the disputed South China Sea region will be high on U.S. President Barack Obama’s agenda as he meets with regional leaders during the annual meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the adjoining East Asia Summit.

Obama arrived Friday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where the summit will be held Saturday and Sunday.

The White House has repeatedly said establishing a “rule-based order” is critical to regional security and economic prosperity, both cornerstones of the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region.

Members of the military and police patrol outside the venue for the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nov. 20, 2015.

Asia policy adviser Dan Kritenbrink said while the United States does not take a position on the maritime territorial disputes, “We do have a national interest in ensuring freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, peaceful resolution of disputes, including the use of the international arbitration under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.”