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Submitted
March 30, 2020
Accepted
June 2, 2020
Published
June 29, 2020
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Abstract

In order to assert its geopolitical claims in the South China Sea region, China has used an unusual method, namely the use of its fishing industry as a reserve power called maritime militias. This research aims to analyze the status of civilian fishing vessels that play a dual role as Chinese troops, as China often sends maritime militias to carry out diplomacy with low-scale violence against other countries in the South China Sea. This research also analyzes the urgency of the legal framework that inevitably regulates the use of maritime militias. This study uses a normative juridical approach by analyzing relevant international instruments, in general the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, ILC Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts, and ongoing negotiations between ASEAN and China in the formation of the South China Sea Code of Ethics . The analysis in this study concludes that: first, Chinese maritime militias only have the status and rights of private vessels; Second, the actions of the Chinese maritime militias can be imposed as actions of the state (China); and Third, there is an urgent need for specific regulations regarding maritime militias.

Keywords

Maritime militia sovereign immunity state responsibility

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Author Biographies

Novena Clementine Manullang, Universitas Padjadjaran

Student at Faculty of Law Universitas Padjadjaran

Achmad Gusman Siswandi, Universitas Padjadjaran

Assistant Professor in Faculty of Law

Chloryne Trie Isana Dewi, Universitas Padjadjaran

Assistant Professor in Faculty of Law
How to Cite
Manullang, N. C., Siswandi, A. G., & Dewi, C. T. I. (2020). The Status Of Maritime Militia In The South China Sea Under International Law Perspective. Jurnal Hukum IUS QUIA IUSTUM, 27(1), 23–44. https://doi.org/10.20885/iustum.vol27.iss1.art2
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