Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera’s presentation, “Geopolitical Quandaries in the South China Sea: Options for the Philippines, China, and the US,” delves into the complex territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Here are the key points:

1. Territorial Disputes: The presentation highlights the conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea, involving China and neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. These disputes are driven by strategic interests, including control over important shipping lanes, potential oil and gas reserves, and fishing rights.
2. China’s Actions: From a realist perspective, Dr. Baviera discusses China’s pursuit of unilateral actions to advance its claims. This includes large-scale land reclamation, construction on disputed islands, and the establishment of military facilities, which have heightened tensions in the region.
3. International Relations Theories: The presentation analyzes the disputes through the lenses of realism and liberalism. Realism emphasizes power politics and the balancing of power among states, while liberalism suggests that negotiations and economic partnerships could lead to peaceful solutions.
4. Role of the US: Dr. Baviera examines the role of the United States in the South China Sea disputes. The US has been involved in balancing against China’s actions by strengthening alliances with other regional powers and conducting freedom of navigation operations to assert international maritime rights.
5. Conflict Management: The presentation underscores the importance of conflict management as the best approach to address the complex issues in the South China Sea. Dr. Baviera suggests that while a complete resolution may be unlikely, efforts should focus on managing tensions and preventing escalation.
6. Regional and Global Implications: The disputes have significant implications for regional security, freedom of navigation, and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Baviera emphasizes the need for a multilateral approach that involves not only the claimant countries but also other stakeholders in the international community.
7. Philippines’ Options: The presentation outlines the options available to the Philippines in dealing with the South China Sea disputes. These include diplomatic negotiations, strengthening alliances with other countries, and pursuing legal avenues to assert its claims.

Dr. Baviera’s presentation provides a comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical dynamics in the South China Sea, offering insights into the challenges and potential strategies for managing the disputes.

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