Topic: Territorial Dispute in the South China Sea
Country: France
Delegate Name: Tanvi Sharma
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
France recognizes the importance of bringing stability to the South China Sea, where disputes have been ongoing for centuries. We believe that the best way to do this is for all parties involved to respect international law and to cooperate with each other toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Finding such a resolution is of utmost importance, because many lives are dependent on the stability of this region.
An important step that should be taken in deescalating the South China Sea dispute is the cessation of the creation of artificial islands in the region. The only effect of these islands is the heightening of tensions among countries in the region, which is wholly unnecessary. With respect to the US warship that recently sailed near an artificial island, France supports all countries’ freedom of navigation. France also discourages the creation of an Air Defense Identification Zone in the area, as this will just contribute to the escalation of the dispute.
France is of the belief that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea should be the basis for an international mediation of the dispute. Instead of supporting one claim over another in the region, we believe it is best to settle this dispute impartially through the Permanent Court of Arbitration. In order to do this effectively however, it is imperative that all member states of the UN respect and abide by this ruling, as well as international law in general. If these steps are taken, France is confident that the situation in the South China Sea can successfully be resolved peacefully.
