At the recently concluded Shangri-la Dialogue – also referred to as Asia Security Summit – calls were made for China to abide by international law. These calls were made ahead of the Philippines’ case at the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration, where China presented a Note Verbale stating that “it does not accept the arbitration initiated by the Philippines.” Additionally, on Sunday, the US Secretary of State shared concerns in Mongolia, that China might try to set up an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), saying such a move will be considered a “provocative and destabilizing act”. Today, we look at the state of play, and the reasons behind tensions in the region.
This report is by Sharaad Kuttan.