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ABSTRACT
South China Sea disputes pose huge energy insecurity to China and Southeast Asian nations, threatening their vital Sea Lines of Communication. This study explores the ongoing conflicts in the South China Sea through Womack’s Asymmetry theory of international relations. It contributes to the theory by suggesting ways to improve regional cooperation by adapting to new and renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind. The disparity of capacity among littorals in the South China Sea has created systemic misperception. How China can make amends with these countries by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and bridging the asymmetry in the region becomes the key research question. This study analyses the existing international environmental agreements applicable in the South China Sea based on the issuing agency, China as a signatory, legality, and the nature of the agreement. It has been observed that the existing international agreements are ineffective in creating geopolitical symmetry. Our proposal of using offshore wind energy as a cooperative sustainable development tool to bridge the asymmetry can encourage cooperation for knowledge, technology, and practice sharing ensuring peace and cooperation in South China Sea.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Notes on contributors
R. S. Aswani
R. S. Aswani is an Assistant Professor (Selection Grade) at the School of Liberal Studies, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.
Shambhu Sajith
Shambhu Sajith is Assistant Professor in Energy Management at UPES Online, Dehradun, India.
Anil Kumar
Anil Kumar is Professor of Power Management in School of Business, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.