Beijing’s marine science diplomacy can calm South China Sea tensions
Marine science may hold untapped potential for easing tensions in the South China Sea, one of the world’s most contested maritime regions. As territorial disputes and strategic rivalries persist, scientific cooperation offers a rare avenue for building trust and advancing shared environmental and economic interests.
Fellow J. Borton explains how joint research initiatives, data sharing, and ecosystem management could serve as tools of science diplomacy in a region often dominated by hard power politics. For readers interested in conflict resolution, Asia-Pacific security, and innovative peacebuilding strategies, it provides a fresh perspective on nontraditional engagement.
James Borton, Senior Fellow at FPI, wrote in South China Morning Post on May 30, 2025, about the potential of marine science diplomacy.