There is an emerging dispute in the South China Sea with China aggressively laying claim to the entire area including the islands by threatening other Southeast Asian claimants with coercive power. Which among the following is/are the best conflict resolution mechanism(s) in this situation ? 1. The US Pacific Command should militarily counter Chinese aggression. 2. The US should sign military pacts with other Southeast Asian nations against China. 3. The dispute should be resolved by utilizing the ASEAN 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in a peaceful manner. 4. The UN Security Council should declare Chinas aggressive posture as a threat to international pcacc and security and invoke UN Chapter VII. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The South China Sea dispute involves complex territorial claims where peaceful resolution is prioritized under international norms. Option 3 is the most viable mechanism as it emphasizes the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC), which promotes regional stability and negotiation [1]. ASEAN's 'Vision 2020' and its history of mediating conflicts like the Cambodian crisis underscore its role in encouraging dialogue over military confrontation [1]. Conversely, military escalation by the US (Options 1 and 2) or invoking UN Chapter VII (Option 4) are considered aggressive or impractical measures that could destabilize the region further. While the US has historically formed military pacts like SEATO or the ANZUS treaty to contain communism [2], modern conflict resolution in the South China Sea focuses on diplomatic frameworks and adherence to international law to manage China's assertive posture [3].

Sources

1. [1] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power > Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) > p. 21
2. [2] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 15: The World after World War II > South East Asian Treaty Organisation (SEATO) > p. 248
3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.20 Sino-Indian border in Sikkim (after Rajat Pandit, Times of India, 30.6.17). > p. 89