MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE 20TH TO 22ND APRIL 2012 Committee: General Assembly Topic: The Legal Status

Of The South China Sea Topic Description: The South China Sea has been the root of much dispute by rival countries for centuries, as it is claimed at least partly by multiple nations, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The territories being claimed are difficult to judge as a result of their varied nature; some of the claimed areas are only islands at low tide, and many have no fresh water supply. Not only are they uninhabited but they have never been inhabited, leaving no evidence of historical settlement that could possibly produce a solid foundation for a claim. Despite this, contesting claims have existed for decades and have occasionally produced naval clashes. However, a sudden increase in the tension has incited concern that the area may become a hostile region at which Asian military conflicts take place. The claims are made over territory and sovereignty over ocean areas, as well as the Paracels and the Spratlys, two island chains claimed in whole or in part by a number of countries. Apart from these islands, the disputed area contains dozens of uninhabited rocky outcrops, atolls, sandbanks, and reefs. All or parts of the sea are claimed by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China and Vietnam are the most vocal in their claims and have been involved in diplomatic disputes in recent years involving fishing vessels and maritime surveillance boats. Increasing investigation has led to estimates of the seas extremely rich resources. Chinese officials have supplied the most promising numbers of resource wealth in the area; according to figures quoted by the US Energy Information Administration, one Chinese estimate puts possible oil reserves as high as 213 billion barrels, which is tenfold the proven reserves of the United States. However, American scientists have presented contradictory statistics, estimating the amount of oil at a mere 28 billion barrels. The real wealth of the area, according to the EIA, may lie in the territorys natural gas reserves; estimates claim the area to contain around 900 trillion cubic feet (25 trillion cubic meters), as much as the proven reserves of Qatar Chinas ambitious claims to the territory and warnings against oil exploration in territories it considers its own have raised tensions over this area, which is becoming a flashpoint for Asian competition. The region is important not only for the claimant countries but also for all countries with an economic stake in these waters. The territory claims must be resolved in a reasonable, just manner in order to ensure peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in this region. Reference: (eastasiaforum, 2011) 1

Questions to think about while doing research: 1. Is the international community setting an appropriate example for settling territorial and maritime disputes with its current actions to determine the legality of the South China Sea? 2. Are the players in the South China Sea abiding by the precedents set by the Convention of 1982, the 2002 Declaration, etc.? If not, how can we strengthen the respect for these documents, as well as outline its principles more clearly for a more streamlined interpretation? 3. Must the current methods of resolving international sovereignty disputes be altered to apply to this conflict? 4. How can we modify sovereignty laws in order to prevent such disputes in the future? 5. How strong of a role do national interests play in this dispute and how could this be changed? 6. Should we support efforts for intervention by outside countries, such as the United States, or encourage the limitation of the dispute to the claimants only?

To-Do list: 1. At the start of the Conference, the delegates would pass motions on the speaking time and comment time. [Note: The speaking time is usually within the range of 60-120 seconds, whereas the comment time is limited to the range of 10 30.] 2. Every delegate will be given 60-90 seconds to provide an opening statement defining their stance on the topic. The opening statements should briefly cover the above mentioned questions. It is advisable that you write these beforehand, as these statements hold a crucial element in the judging process in determining the Best Delegate. [Note: the delegates cannot comment on another delegates opening statements.] 3. After the opening statements, the delegates will raise their country cards to put their names on the speakers list. It is advisable to raise your country card as frequently as you can (after your turn to speak has ended, you may raise your country card again to put your name on the speakers list). Each delegate will be given the allocated speaking time proposed earlier. After the delegate has finished speaking, the others may comment on his/her speech on the moderators permission. Usually no more than two comments are permissible. 4. There will be no cross table talks, and the delegates are encouraged to ensure a respectful atmosphere. Please adhere to professional code of conduct as misconduct during the conference will reflect badly on your evaluation as a delegate. 5. After about 2 hours or so, the delegates are advised to pass a motion on un-moderated caucus, so that they may retire into an informal conversation between fellow delegates and thus form alliances. During un-moderated caucus, the moderators will not have a direct say, but they will be scoring you on your effort. 6. The first day will determine the course of the debate, while the second day will be dedicated on amending and passing the resolution. It is highly recommended that delegates start preparing a resolution of their own before the second day of the conference. All the pre-prepared resolution will be shared in the conference so that other delegates may have look at it and sign it. The amendments can be made during the debate. The resolution with the most signatures is passed. 7. Please refer to the handouts mailed to you to learn how to write a resolution or contact us on 017-8039907 for assistance. Also pay close attention to the structure of the resolution. A sample resolution is provided on pg 14 of the handout Guide to MUN. 8. Also refer to the handout Guide to MUN, pg 19 Some useful phrases.

Research Links 1. Refer to the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBh_RaX0gvs for a brief training on MUN. 2. Refer to the handout Guide to MUN, pg. 6 for links to official United Nation database and archives on different topics.