Panel 1: UNCLOS and the Rules-Based Order - Understanding South China Sea Claims

Panel Discussion

Rules-based Order
May 22, 2025
9:00 am - 10:30 am
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RICHARD HEYDARIAN
Senior Lecturer, Master in International Studies, University of the Philippines
Panel Chair
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ATTY. FRETTI GANCHOON
Maritime Expert and Senior State Counsel, Philippines
Panelist
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DR. MUHAMMAD TAUFAN
Lawyer, Directorate of Treaties on Political, Security and Territorial Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia
Panelist
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DR. HUONG NGUYEN
Director, Center for International Law, East Sea Institute, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
Panelist
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HAMZAH BIN ISHAK
Deputy Director-General, National Security, Malaysia
Panelist

The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Indonesia have all emphasized the importance of adhering to international law in managing and resolving maritime disputes. Each of these nations references UNCLOS as the foundation for their presence and operations in the South China Sea. This session will address the following questions:

  • What specific provisions of UNCLOS support their claims?
  • What are each party’s preferred modalities for dispute management and resolution?
  • How does each party perceive the presence and operations of “user states” in the South China Sea?
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