Current problems of consolidating the political and legal positions of ASEAN and Russia in the view of the development of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea

The research deals with the current problems and prospects for consolidating the political and legal positions of ASEAN and Russia regarding the territorial dispute in the South China Sea. The analysis of the political statements by the representatives of the parties to the dispute, of the international treaties and media materials reveals that the representatives of Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam advocate for a speedy development of a legally binding Code of Conduct, and these states are unanimous as to the necessity to resolve the dispute in accordance with the International Maritime Law. China’s position remains politically ambiguous regarding the potential negotiated settlement.

The situation is complicated by the U.S. military build-up in the maritime spaces of the Asia-Pacific and by an active involvement of the countries of the region in the dispute so as to implement the “China containment” policy. For Russia, the most preferable strategy seems to be a commitment to an active non-interference policy, while remaining open to the advisory and mediating role, considering the possibilities of applying the tools of Science Diplomacy. Confidential and honest discussion of the risks posed by the instability in the South China Sea should contribute to the settlement of the dispute based on the rule of international law.

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