US establishes maritime center in South China Sea: 'Should be supported'

"If an international maritime center were established in Indonesia—one of the countries with significant interests in the South China Sea—it would clearly not violate any laws."

Regarding the proposal to establish an international maritime center in Indonesia, on the afternoon of March 11th, Dr. Tran Cong Truc, former Head of the National Border Committee, stated: "Every country in the region has the right to establish any center as long as it serves civilian economic purposes, and if it is not located in their own country, they must have the consent of the country where it is located."

For example, establishing an international maritime center in Indonesia, with the country's consent after considering the motives behind its operation, would be a straightforward process. Furthermore, the US possesses advanced maritime technology and security capabilities, as well as significant material resources and investment potential, making this proposal feasible at any time."

Further analyzing the situation, the former Head of the National Border Committee stated: "If an international maritime center is established in Indonesia—one of the countries with significant interests in the South China Sea—then there is clearly nothing against the law, as long as this center is of a civilian, economic, and humanitarian nature, it is welcome."

Therefore, according to Mr. Truc: "This proposal is reasonable and very necessary. Because, based on the actual situation and international public opinion, we see that China is taking actions that threaten international and regional maritime security. Specifically, in recent times, China has transformed submerged islands into artificial islands and established military bases in Gac Ma to serve its scheme of monopolizing the South China Sea."

Therefore, we should support the proposal to establish an international maritime center with the aim of preventing obstruction and difficulties on maritime routes for civilian purposes. However, if it is intended for military purposes that cause instability, we must pay special attention."

US Navy sailors aboard the destroyer Sterett of the 7th Fleet monitor the activities of Chinese naval vessels using modern binoculars - Photo: US Navy

"I think that proposal could also contribute a voice and benefit to preventing China's attempts to monopolize the South China Sea through its maritime activities in the region."

"This proposal represents a new point, a determination to realize a new, positive response from the US administration. With this proposal, perhaps the US is also gradually realizing its commitment to the common good of humanity and international trade," Dr. Truc added.

As reported by Dat Viet newspaper, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff W. Benson recently published an article on the website of the U.S. Naval Academy calling for the establishment of an international maritime coordination center in Indonesia.

Author Benson, from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, stated that the US Navy needs to study the possibility of establishing an International Maritime Coordination Center (IMOC) in Indonesia to both demonstrate the US Navy's commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and to coordinate maritime operations in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, using it as a new mechanism to counterbalance the rise of China.

IMOC will serve as a key link in advancing U.S. maritime relations with the forces of India, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian nations. The center will also have the capability to secure commercial maritime operations.

According to author Benson, the rebalancing strategy in the Asia-Pacific has long been a focus of strategists in Washington and was reiterated in the 2015 national security strategy recently presented by President Barack Obama.

According to Benson, despite facing numerous challenges in its rebalancing strategy in the Asia-Pacific and monitoring China's rise at sea, the US must act to avoid losing credibility with its allies.

"The U.S. Navy, with the support of Congress and the Obama administration, should seek ways to take more action as China increases its interests and influence in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea," he said.

According to Baodatviet.vn