南シナ海の仲裁裁判。一早く中国支持の手を挙げた国。バヌアツ。
今までの４回は歴史的背景を見てきたのですが、防衛省関係者からリクエストがあり急遽時事問題を取り上げます。
時事問題といっても歴史を知らずにバヌアツの南シナ海への関与は理解できないのです。歴史は、地政学、安全保障、外交、インテリジェンス、経済、あらゆる分野に必須。。。
バヌアツ政府がメディアで語っている南シナ海の記事、2016年5月から2017年8月までを地元紙、デイリー・バヌアツのウェブサイトから８本拾ってみました。下記にリストと全文をコピーしてあります。このメディアも中国の影響を受けており過去の記事で消えているのも結構あるのです。
バヌアツ政府が中国を支持する理由の一つが裁判での主要論点であった「歴史的権利」
バヌアツの独立の動きがその伝統文化、歴史にあることを前回のオンライン講座で紹介しました。西洋文化を払拭したバヌアツ独自の歴史文化を主張した国づくりを行なっています。歴史的権利を主張する中国をバヌアツが支援する理由がここにある、と思いました。しかし、バヌアツは南シナ海で中国が実際に何をしているのか？また歴史的権利に関する中国以外の近隣諸国の主張を理解しているのでしょうか？
国内に歴史学者も国際法学者も専門家が皆無の状態でどのようにして理解し判断しているのか大いに疑問です。２の記事に出てくるバヌアツにある南太平洋大学法学部講師ソング博士は存じ上げていますが、中共の方です。
バヌアツ政府による中国支持の正式な表明は2016年5月のサルワイ前首相によるもの。８の記事です。「歴史的権利」について各記事に繰り返し出てきます。国際法上の議論は中島啓氏の解説を下記にコピーしてあります。UNCLOS298条の歴史的権限と歴史的権利の議論をバヌアツ政府はどこまで理解しているのか？（私もわからない、難しい議論です）
2016年7月12日に仲裁判決で中国の負けが決まってもバヌアツの姿勢は変わらなどころか、同じくフランスと国境紛争を抱える議論としてさらに中国支援が強化されて行きます。(記事の２)
今回記事を集めて気がついたのが、Green Confederationというバヌアツの政党が、判決後にも拘らず党として新たに中国支援を表明していることです。５番の記事です。判決から1年後の１番目の記事では中国共産党がバヌアツのいくつかの政党と協定を締結し、南シナ海への支援をさらに強化させています。
ところでバヌアツの歴史的権利って？
バヌアツの国の枠組み、誰が作ったのでしょう？バヌアツの人たちではありませんでしたね。１００以上ある部族は常に戦い合い、島々が一つにまとまった歴史はありません。現在の国家の枠組みができたのは1774年に訪れた英国クック船長。島々の地図を作成し、ニュー・ヘブリデス諸島と命名し現在のバヌアツ国家の枠組みを作ったのです。このクック船長の遺産である国家の枠組みを受け継ぎ、バヌアツの独自の歴史・文化・伝統を国の基盤として独立した。1980年の独立で初めて現在の国家枠組みで国家運営を開始したのです。ここに主権国家バヌアツの限界と挑戦があると見ています。
今回のサイクロン被害でも政府の動きは鈍く、批判は至る所から聞こえて来ます。バヌアツ政府に離島を支える資金や人材、機能（もしかしたら意欲も）も十分ではありません。国家として機能できない現実。外国からの支援を受けなければ国民が守れない現実。。
昨年、バヌアツ南部に位置し国境紛争を抱える仏領ニューカレドニアに近い離島Aneityumにフランス海軍の船が支援物資を運ぼうとしたところ、バヌアツ政府が断ってしまい、島の人たちが大変怒った事件がありました。バヌアツ政府に離島を支援する力はありません。
人ごとではありません。今は自衛隊が入る与那国。以前は本土からの支援が期待できず台湾との関係強化を地元の人たちは強く希望していた時期があります。
フランス海軍の物資を待っていた離島、Aneityum
＜追記＞
３、７の記事はオバマ政権最後に米国の軍と国務省のチグハグな対応を実感する記事です。米軍はバヌアツ政府が南シナ海への支持を正式表明した直後、災害支援の一環でバヌアツ法執行組織との共同演習を表明。その後米国大使はバヌアツの外交政策を演説の中で高く評価。中国寄りのバヌアツ政府を米国は牽制するのか支持するのか？トランプ政権では考えられないことが2016年には発生していたのです。
＜記事から「歴史的権利」について言及した箇所をコピペ。記事全文下にあります。＞
１ Vanuatu reaffirms stand on South China Sea
By Glenda Willie Aug 31, 2017
Mr. Liang also summarised China’s history and how it made it to where it is today. China is one of the world’s oldest civilisations and currently ranked the second largest economy in the world.
２ South China Sea relevance to Matthew and Hunter
By Bob Makin Aug 13, 2016
The USP’s Lee-Anne Sackett dealt with historical background to the South China Sea exploitation by China over centuries, generally winning where competing claims existed.
３ American Ambassador Praises Salwai Government, Despite South China Sea Tensions
By Colin Cortbus Jul 22, 2016
This statement comes despite the fact that Prime Minister Salwai’s foreign policy is glaringly at odds with the US over the heated South China Sea Dispute. In May, the Salwai-led government prominently backed the Chinese position in the dispute over the artificial reef islands, which are claimed by both the close US-Ally The Philippines and China.
４ Vanuatu’s position on South China Sea dispute not isolated Compiled
by Jane Joshua Jul 20, 2016
The Vanuatu Government has maintained its support on the issue of South China Sea and the Vanuatu Green Confederation is the first political party to express its support for the approach the China has adopted to settle the disputes over the islands in the South China Sea.
“There is no doubt that China has ancient trade routes through this area,” said Bohane.
“But for the last 700-800 years that they have been used as prominent trade routes, they have been free for everybody to use.
５ Green Confederation backs China in South China Sea dispute
By Jonas Cullwick Jul 19, 2016
“The VGC stands by the fact that a real solution cannot be found without the Chinese Government and attempting a unilateral solution will never work as it would demonstrate ignorance of particular historical and geographical background of China with Nanhai Zhudao (the South China Sea islands).”
６ No change so far by gov't on South China Sea stand
By Royson Willie Jul 15, 2016
“Vanuatu also maintains the principle that relevant claims on any territorial and maritime rights and interests must be based on the historical and cultural facts.
７ Military Cooperation Planned For Vanuatu And US Amid South China Sea Tensions
Exclusive, by Colin Cortbus Jun 18, 2016
８ Vanuatu gov't issues position on South China Sea
May 26, 2016
“Vanuatu also maintains the principle that relevant claims on any territorial and maritime rights and interests must be based on the historical and cultural facts.
- - - - - １
Vanuatu reaffirms stand on South China Sea
By Glenda Willie Aug 31, 2017
Vanuatu has maintained its support on the issue of South China Sea and recognizes Taiwan as part of China.
This has been reaffirmed by the First Deputy Speaker, MP Edwin Macreveth, the Head of mission of a joint parliament delegation who are currently in Beijing.
On Tuesday the Vanuatu delegation met with Mr. Yang Liang, Deputy Director-General of the Communist Party of China Center for International Exchanges, IDCPC who warmly welcomed the delegation and gave an extensive overview of the Communist Party of China (CPC) including its history, the strategies undertaken by the CPC.
The success story of CPC and the future long-term goals and policies of CPC were also highlighted by the CPC dignitary.
The Communist Party of China is the ruling party. Vanuatu is the first country in the South Pacific Region to establish ties with the CPC.
So far, four political parties have established ties with the CPC. They are: Vanua’aku Pati (VP), Reunification of Movement for Change (RMC), National United Party and Union of Moderate Parties (UMP).
Mr. Liang also summarised China’s history and how it made it to where it is today. China is one of the world’s oldest civilisations and currently ranked the second largest economy in the world.
Leading a delegation of Members of Parliament representing at least seven political parties, MP Macreveth acknowledged the Deputy Director-General of IDCPC for the insight into the CPC and how it is able to sustain despite being responsible for a massive population of 1.4 billion people.
He admitted that the governing system undertaken by CPC is an eye opener to some of the MPs, adding that some it would in some ways benefit the different political representations as well as the Vanuatu Government.
The delegation also had the opportunity to meet and interact with the Vice Minister of the IDCPC, Mr. Guo Yezhou. He hosted a welcome luncheon in honor of the MPs.
The interactions with the Vice Minister is hoped to motivate and inspire the parliamentarians in their political careers, Macreveth remarked. He also acknowledged that it is an opportunity for the politicians to explore new ideas to develop their parties.
During the luncheon, it has been emphasised that the visit reflected the strong ties shared between the Government of China and the Government of Vanuatu and the confidence is demonstrated in Vanuatu through major projects supported by the Chinese Government, including the Convention Centre, Pacific Mini Games Sports complex, the longest wharf in the Pacific, construction of the Prime Minister’s Office, to name a few.
Mr. Yezhou said he hoped Vanuatu, particularly the political parties would become role models to other Pacific Island Countries in initiating relations with CPC.
The delegation also met with Mr. Dun Shixin, Director General of Bureau VI, Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and later on in the afternoon, they had the opportunity to be among thousands of visitors at the ancient Forbidden City.
- - - - - ２
South China Sea relevance to Matthew and Hunter
By Bob Makin Aug 13, 2016
The University of the South Pacific Emalus staff, students and friends have been treated this week to a fascinating panel presentation on a recent tribunal decision in the Hague which has particular relevance for island countries in the Pacific and especially Vanuatu.
That it was the South China Sea Arbitration Award seems to suggest it has little to do with us.
However it has a lot to concern a small island nation effectively in dispute with a big power over the ownership of an island or islands.
The South China Sea Award concerns little known islands barely able to support human life, the Paracels and Spratleys and other names of which we have heard nothing until the Arbitration decision of a month ago. However, their relevance concerns the volcanic islands Matthew and Hunter we believe to belong to the Tafea Province and which were claimed by Vanuatu with a flag raising on 9 March 1983.
The Arbitration Award a month ago made it clear that China’s claim to historic rights to resources in the South China Sea is incompatible with the detailed allocation of rights and maritime zones under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China effectively lost out in the decision in the Hague.
It is to UNCLOS that Vanuatu has referred its claim to Matthew and Hunter (Umaeneag and Umaenupne in Aneityum language). The other claimant is France which administered the two outliers from the French Residency in Port Vila until Independence. Vanuatu considers that the French claim passed to Vanuatu at Independence, as other French state land did. France, however, puts the islands in New Caledonia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The USP’s Lee-Anne Sackett dealt with historical background to the South China Sea exploitation by China over centuries, generally winning where competing claims existed.
Dr Lili Song of the Emalus Campus acknowledged that China had violated marine reef provision laws of UNCLOS but was very clear in that China never agreed to the UNCLOS jurisdiction. It was a very high profile case and made more so by the media. China objecting to the decision means there can be no enforcement.
Dr Morsen Mosses was particularly concerned with the legal implications of the South China Sea Arbitration, whether a reef can be construed as an island and the differences between a rock and an island and whether it matters if such a place is habitable. He used Matthew and Hunter as examples able to cause concern, along with Minerva Reef and Johnston Atoll. And he went on to discuss island countries’ views on the South China Sea judgement.
Vanuatu’s judgement before UNCLOS is still likely a long way off. But Daily Post will do all it can to give the issue a high profile. USP has already started doing so.
- - - - - ３
American Ambassador Praises Salwai Government, Despite South China Sea Tensions
By Colin Cortbus Jul 22, 2016
The new US Ambassador to Vanuatu, Catherine Ebert-Gray heaped praise on the government of Prime Minister Charlot Salwai at a recent meeting with President Baldwin Lonsdale in Port Vila.
Gray, a career diplomat, was nominated for the post of US ambassador to PNG, The Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu by US President Barack Obama, a Democrat in July last year. Months later, her appointment was confirmed by the Republican controlled senate, and she took up her office earlier this year.
Earlier this month, Ebert Gray travelled to Vanuatu to present her credentials to President Baldwin Lonsdale. That formal ceremony that is vital part of any new ambassador officially starting their duties.
In her remarks during the ceremony on July the 5th, Ebert-Gray lauded the “positive, proactive foreign policy” of Vanuatu’s “new government”, according to a textual record of the speech made available to the Daily Post by the US embassy in Port Moresby.
This statement comes despite the fact that Prime Minister Salwai’s foreign policy is glaringly at odds with the US over the heated South China Sea Dispute. In May, the Salwai-led government prominently backed the Chinese position in the dispute over the artificial reef islands, which are claimed by both the close US-Ally The Philippines and China.
It is understood that this stance, which earned Vanuatu strong praise from state-run Chinese media, has remained unchanged despite a long-established, highly respected international arbitration court in The Hague recently ruling that China’s claims to own the reef islands have no merit. Chinese authorities have described that verdict as “null and void”. Meanwhile, the US, which, much to the annoyance of Beijing, flew military planes near the disputed islands in May, hailed the arbitration court finding as an “important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea”.
Ambassador Ebert-Gray’s plaudits for Vanautu’s new foreign policy were not the only good things she had to say about Salwai’s government in her speech. Ebert-Gray claimed “your new Government has outlined an ambitious growth oriented socio-economic program”. She went on to say she believed the Salwai government cared about delivering progress on key issues. “I am confident that your new government is also committed to improving the quality and reach of the most important investment of all – education”.
The string of positive remarks was followed by a pledge to tighten the US-Vanuatu inter-governmental relations. President Obama and the US Senate, she told President Lonsdale, “support your vision of a brighter tomorrow for all of your people. She later remarked “my Government has made a significant commitment to deepen its engagement.”
Earlier the Daily Post revealed unannounced plans for intensified military cooperation between the US Army Pacific and Vanuatu forces governed under the Police Act.
In her speech, Ebert-Gray also praised Vanuatu as a country, its people and the role of civil society groups as well as talking of her own, long-standing interest in Vanuatu and other Pacific Island nations.
- - - - - ４
Vanuatu’s position on South China Sea dispute not isolated Compiled
by Jane Joshua Jul 20, 2016
The Vanuatu Government has maintained its support on the issue of South China Sea and the Vanuatu Green Confederation is the first political party to express its support for the approach the China has adopted to settle the disputes over the islands in the South China Sea.
Vanuatu-based Australian photojournalist, Ben Bohane, who is in Manilla, Philippines, working closely with ABC to cover the Philippines v. China dispute over the South China Sea told Buzz FM96’s Kizzy Kalsakau there are about a dozen countries who have supported China’s claim.
“In the Pacific, I believe it is Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea,” he says.
“I guess they are doing that out of domestic consideration, giving something back to China due to China’s ongoing support. It is up to them to make that call.
“But obviously China in the global sense is quite isolated in this issue.
“Most of Europe, Asia and the rest of the Pacific are supporting Philippines claim with respect to UNCLOS and the tribunal’s decision.
“Vanuatu has obviously gone out on a limb a little on this but obviously thinks it is worth doing so as a way of showing its support for China generally but this does not mean Vanuatu’s position is isolated in the region on that.”
No country has claimed absolute territorial sovereignty over the shoals and reefs in the South China Sea until for the first time, China actually claimed these as their actual territory, bringing the dispute into sharp focus.
“There is no doubt that China has ancient trade routes through this area,” said Bohane.
“But for the last 700-800 years that they have been used as prominent trade routes, they have been free for everybody to use.
“They have been used by the South East Asia countries, European countries and many others.”
For the Filipinos, this is very important. There are a couple of key reefs such as the Scarborough Shoal and the Second Thomas Shoal. Both of these are in the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The region is rich in oil and gas deposits…and is also fishing grounds for the Filipinos.
Bohane says the Filipinos call it the West Philippines Sea and they also have historic claims.
The International Court in Hague recently ruled that China has no historic claim to the South China Sea and has invalidated its claims to 90% of the south China Sea, which it has claimed for some time now and what is called the nine-dash-line.
But that comes into dispute with several countries in South East Asia, including Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia.
Asked about the reaction to the tribunal’s decision in Philippines and alternatives available after China refused to accept the decision Bohane says in Manila, most people are very happy that the tribunal has ruled in its favour.
“Philippines does not have many options because it certainly does not have any substantial military capability to resist China,” he says.
“It is hoping that the United States may, one of the questions is whether this invokes the defence military treaty that the Philippines has with United States.”
“In the lead up to the tribunal decision, Philippines played a very quiet and muted response. They are very keen to resolve this diplomatically. Nobody wants war.
“And even though China is not backing down, in the Asian way they need to be given a way to negotiate or maybe compromise on some of their larger claims.
“I think for Philippines, may be prepared to give up some of its territorial claims as long as it could hold onto the very strategic ones which are closed to the Philippines Territory such as the Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal.
“There is mixed signals coming from United States diplomatically.
“The US military is looking contested ones and strategic, resolved diplomatically and perhaps give a little time and space to China.
“Hopefully by giving it a little bit of time and space decisions can be made rationally. China has been so clear and unequivocal that it wants to take the entire region. But there is also domestic concerns in China where it does not want to be seen backing down so that is where part of the problem is.”
Questioned on other current developments in Philippines, Bohane said, “Philippines has recently elected a new president- Rodrigo Duterte.
“He is very popular and he is a grassroots leader and has taken on a lot of big issues.
“Philippines has been mired in endemic poverty for three decades and he is being seen as someone with lots of grassroot support to try and uplift.
“He has launched a drug war, which is pretty devastating. In the last two weeks since being initiated as president nearly 300 people have been killed, drug dealers and police. In fact last night I was out with the police until very late.
“The last two nights alone there have been around a dozen killings…so he has launched a major crackdown on drugs…primarily methamphetamine is flooding Philippines and it is one of the highest rates in Asia. The president has given the green light for all kinds of vigilante action….shoot first ask questions later.
“It has caused a lot of concern among civil society and human rights groups but he seems to have the support of most people.
“He is trying to contain the drug situation and also trying to initiate peaceful negotiations with some of the rebel groups around the country such as the Communist party of Philippines.”
- - - - - ５
Green Confederation backs China in South China Sea dispute
By Jonas Cullwick Jul 19, 2016
The Vanuatu Green Confederation (VGC) party has expressed support for the approach the People’s Republic of China has adopted to settle the disputes over the islands of the South China Sea that China calls Nanhai Zhudao in regards to the International Territorial Maritime Boundary.
In a statement issued in Port Vila by the President of the Vanuatu Green Confederation, Toara Daniel Kalo, the VGC says it “agrees with the People’s Republic of China that consultation and dialogue are paramount factors in international dispute resolution”.
“And VGC recommends that other concerned parties welcome mutual consultation in order to ensure peaceful settlement of the highly important issue,” the statement reads.
“The VGC stands by the fact that a real solution cannot be found without the Chinese Government and attempting a unilateral solution will never work as it would demonstrate ignorance of particular historical and geographical background of China with Nanhai Zhudao (the South China Sea islands).”
Vanuatu Green Confederation says it supports the Chinese Government’s 2006 declaration in “consideration of Article 298 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea whereby any third party settlement is subject to mutual consent prior to happening.”
It says VGC appreciates the Chinese Government’s approach and stresses that parties to this issue should always uphold the principles of friendly settlement of dispute through mutual consultation, in line with the Charter of the United Nations to ensure fast and peaceful dispute settlement.
In May this year, the Office of the Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, issued a statement stating that the Government of Vanuatu supports China’s position over its claims in the South China Sea islands issue.
China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims over territory in the South China Sea.
Rival countries have wrangled over territory in the South China Sea for centuries, but tension has steadily increased in recent years.
China has backed its expansive claims with island-building and naval patrols.
The US says it does not take sides in territorial disputes, but has sent military ships and planes near disputed islands, calling them “freedom of navigation” operations to ensure access to key shipping and air routes, the BBC says in its July 12, 2016 report titled “Why is the South China Sea Contentious?”.
Both sides have accused each other of “militarising” the South China Sea, the BBC report says and that “There are fears that the area is becoming a flashpoint, with potentially serious global consequences.”
In February 2016, President Obama initiated the U.S.-ASEAN Summit at Sunnylands (US) for closer engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, says Wikipedia.
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea were a major topic, but its joint statement, the “Sunnylands Declaration”, did not name the South China Sea, instead calling for “respect of each nation’s sovereignty and for international law”, Wikipedia adds. Analysts believe it indicates divisions within the group on how to respond to China’s maritime strategy.
“In July 2016, an arbitral tribunal constituted under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ruled against China’s territorial claims in Philippines v. China. Although it is not enforceable China does not acknowledge the tribunal nor abide by its ruling, insisting that any resolution should be through bilateral negotiations with other claimants,” Wikipedia says.
- - - - - ６
No change so far by gov't on South China Sea stand
By Royson Willie Jul 15, 2016
The Government of Vanuatu has not changed its stand on the South China Sea dispute following an international tribunal’s ruling this week in The Hague that China’s claims to the resource-rich and strategically vital South China Sea had no legal basis.
On Tuesday this week the UN-backed tribunal, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, ruled in favour of Philippines and that China has no historic rights to the area.
Two months ago the Vanuatu Government under Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, made its stand known on the issue.
It said it fully understands and supports china’s proposition on the issue of South China Sea and called on parties directly concerned to stay committed to open friendly dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests around the area.
The Government had said Vanuatu respects China’s 2006 declaration in light of Article 298 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the south sea (UNCLOS).
As such any prior consent of the parties to the dispute must be sought before proceeding with any third party settlement, the prime minister said.
“Vanuatu also maintains the principle that relevant claims on any territorial and maritime rights and interests must be based on the historical and cultural facts.
“Any arbitrary imposition of unilateral measures including instituting legal proceedings against other parties in the dispute run contrary to the principle of mutual understanding, mutual dialogue and friendly consultation as enshrined in the principles of UNCLOS,” the statement prime minister Salwai said.
Meanwhile China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Chinese Embassy in Vanuatu, has solemnly declared that the award by the international tribunal is null and void and has no binding force.
“On 22 January 2013, the then government of the Republic of the Philippines unilaterally initiated arbitration on the relevant disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines. On 19 February 2013, the Chinese government solemnly declared that it neither accepts nor participates in that arbitration and has since repeatedly reiterated that position.
“On 7 December 2014, the Chinese government released the Position Paper of the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Matter of Jurisdiction in the South China Sea Arbitration Initiated by the Republic of the Philippines, pointing out that the Philippines’ initiation of arbitration breaches the agreement between the two states, violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and goes against the general practice of international arbitration, and that the Arbitral Tribunal has no jurisdiction.
“On 29 October 2015, the Arbitral Tribunal rendered an award on jurisdiction and admissibility.
“The Chinese government immediately stated that the award is null and void and has no binding force. China’s positions are clear and consistent.
“The Chinese government reiterates that, regarding territorial issues and maritime delimitation disputes, China does not accept any means of third party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China.
“The Chinese government will continue to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including the principles of respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes, and continue to work with states directly concerned to resolve the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiations and consultations on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, so as to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
- - - - - ７
Military Cooperation Planned For Vanuatu And US Amid South China Sea Tensions
Exclusive, by Colin Cortbus Jun 18, 2016
Vanuatu forces governed under the Police Act are set to hold unprecedented joint exercises with the US Army Pacific this August.
The joint exercises, which focus on disaster preparedness, do not appear to have been formally announced and the public in the US or Vanuatu has not been officially informed about them.
US officials confirmed the exercises are set to take place when asked about them by the Daily Post.
Col. Rumi Nelson Green, Director of Public Affairs for the US Army Pacific, said that the “upcoming exercise is still in final planning”.
Regional Team Chief Russell Dodson, a senior civilian public affairs official for the US Army Pacific, noted the uniqueness of the military exercises.
He said in a statement to the Daily Post “The 2016 Oceania Pacific Resilience (PR) Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) is the first civil-military disaster preparedness and response initiative between the Vanuatu Civil Defense Force and the U.S. Army Pacific, Aug 2-5”.
Chief Dodson continued, ”the goal 2016 Oceania Pacific Resilience is to promote communication, collaboration and interoperability between civil and military disaster responders, managers and stakeholders while enhancing disaster preparedness across Oceania”.
He went on to explain that the exercise is “part of a continued annual engagement” with country partners from all across the Oceania and South Pacific Region, including among others Australia, New Zealand, French-controlled New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and PNG.
The planned August 2016 events are not the first time the US Army Pacific has held a OCR DREE exercise in Melanesian countries, but does represent the first occasion where Vanuatu is taking part. In February 2015, the PNG Defence Forces hosted such exercises in Lae, a city in coastal, western PNG. Representatives from the Solomon Islands and regional organisations also attended, but there is no mention of any Vanuatu officials attending the exercises in official statements about them.
The US military Pacific Command did though hold Exercise Koa Moana, which was part of a regional effort to combat international organised crime and illegal fishing, in Vanuatu in November 2015. The exercise involved US Marines, US Coast Guard staff as well as Vanuatu police officers and was held in Lugainville, Santo.
This year’s unprecedented joint US-Vanuatu exercises come at a time of rapidly rising tension between the China and US-ally the Philippines over the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea.
In May, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Charlot Salwai issued a statement supporting the controversial Chinese position in the heated international dispute. Chinese officials are reportedly grateful for the support: Chinese state news agency Xinhua News reported that the Chinese Foreign Ministry had offered praise and appreciation to Vanuatu and other countries who are towing the official line from Beijing.
“Countries that harbor no selfish interests and understand the South China Sea sympathize with and endorse China’s just position on this issue,” spokesperson Hua Chunying was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, in May this year, the US reportedly sought to counter Chinese claims in the area by sailing a US Navy destroyer vessel to within 12 miles off the disputed Fiery Cross Reef. There, Chinese forces have conducted large-scale land reclamation and construction works that culminated in the landing of a Chinese military plane on the reef. The Philippines protested had this the plane landing as “provocative” in an official statement in April this year.
US military disaster preparedness work is not uncontroversial. The influential but strong left-wing publication The Nation, the oldest continually published magazine in America, warned about “disaster militarism” in the Pacific region in a 2014 article. The article cautioned “The conflation of military power and disaster relief is highly problematic. It is not cost-effective, efficient or transparent”. It also warned that “Disaster militarism does not address the underlying causes for the increasing number of intense storms and natural disasters”.
Noting controversial, disputable claims by campaign groups that the US military has a record as the “worst polluter on the planet”, the article argued “In times of disaster, the US military positions itself as a ‘savior’ and attempts to obscure its role as a major contributor to the rise of climate disasters”.
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Vanuatu gov't issues position on South China Sea
May 26, 2016
Concerning International territorial Maritime Boundary disputes, the Vanuatu Government in a statement says it fully understands and support china’s proposition on the issue of South China Sea and call on parties directly concerned to stay committed to open friendly dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests around the area.
Prime Minister Charlot Salwai said, while respecting the rights of parties to independently choose the means of the disputes settlement, Vanuatu respects China’s 2006 declaration in light of Article 298 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the south sea (UNCLOS).
As such any prior consent of the parties to the dispute must be sought before proceeding with any third party settlement, the prime minister said.
“Vanuatu maintains that settlement of territorial and maritime disputes must be done through friendly consultation and negotiations and in accordance with international Law and all bilateral agreements including the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) by parties directly concerned.
“Vanuatu also maintains the principle that relevant claims on any territorial and maritime rights and interests must be based on the historical and cultural facts.
“Any arbitrary imposition of unilateral measures including instituting legal proceedings against other parties in the dispute run contrary to the principle of mutual understanding, mutual dialogue and friendly consultation as enshrined in the principles of UNCLOS,” the statement from the prime minister said.
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http://www2.jiia.or.jp/pdf/research/H28_International_Law/05_nakajima.pdf
（上記と同じ執筆者同じ内容だが読みやすい）
南シナ海仲裁判断の意味、国際法学会エキスパート・コメント No.2016-6、中島啓（神戸大学大学院法学研究科学術研究員）脱稿日：2016年9月27日
https://jsil.jp/archives/expert/2016-6
