DIIS event

Maritime security and geopolitical rivalry in the South China sea

Name: Maritime security and geopolitical rivalry in the South China sea
Location: Maritime security and geopolitical rivalry in the South China sea

This seminar takes stock of tensions in the South China sea. Leading experts will discuss the geopolitical, legal and economic implications of current developments

Chinese coast guard in the South China Sea

Illustration © Wang Yuguo/Zuma/Ritzau Scanpix

Watch the recording of the seminar on YouTube here

In the Indo-Pacific region, waterways such as the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait are currently serving as stages for grey zone conflicts and broader geopolitical tensions. We see this expressed through various tendencies: territorial disputes and increased military presence, challenges to the rules-based order, as well as disruptions to global supply chains.

In this first seminar of three on maritime security in a geopolitical age, we take stock of tensions in the South China sea. Leading experts will discuss the geopolitical, legal and economic implications of current developments.

Great power competition between China and US is one key factor. But regional actors like the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan are also drawn into the stage. Even the EU and individual European states are becoming more involved in the Indo-Pacific region, cultivating new partnerships, while seeking to shore up regional stability, order and international trade.

Join us to learn more about maritime security in the South China Sea and how actors navigate the geopolitical landscape with their respective economic interests, political ambitions and military posturing.

The seminar is organised in a collaboration between DIIS and the Maritime Research Alliance. It is the first in a series of three seminars at DIIS on maritime security. Look out for our next seminars, where we will discuss issues related to maritime security the Arctic in October 2024 and the Baltic Sea region in January 2025.

Speakers

Thomas Roslyng Olesen, Head of Maritime Research Alliance

Jessica Larsen, Senior Researcher at Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)

Andreas Bøje Forsby, Senior Researcher at Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)

Birgit Feldtmann, Professor at Aalborg University

TBC, Danish Shipping

Programme

14.00-14.05 Welcome, Thomas Roslyng Olesen
14.05-14.15     Introduction, Jessica Larsen
14.15-14.30     The geopolitics of the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, Andreas Bøje Forsby
14.30-14.45     Legal implications of tensions in the South China Sea, Birgit Feldtmann
14.45-15.00     The economies of China-Europe business relations, Danish Shipping
15.00-15.30     Q&A

The seminar was held and recorded on 12 June 2024, 14.00-15.30 in DIIS Auditorium.