POLICY PITCH (In 200 words or less)
Suggested Structure
The Problem:
State the problem clearly and explain why it matters to peace, stability, and the rules-based maritime order in the South China Sea. Identify a specific policy gap, emerging challenge, or weakness in existing regional responses—for example, inadequate coordination in responding to maritime coercion, gaps in maritime domain awareness, challenges in protecting marine resources, weaknesses in enforcing international law, or limited mechanisms for cooperation among claimant and user states.
The Stakes:
Explain what is at stake if the problem remains unaddressed. Highlight the potential consequences for regional stability, freedom of navigation and overflight, sovereign rights, marine resources, economic security, and the credibility of international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Demonstrate how the issue affects not only individual claimant states but also the wider Indo-Pacific region.
The Policy Idea:
Present a clear, original, practical, and forward-looking policy response. Focus on a targeted initiative—such as a new maritime information-sharing mechanism, coordinated response to gray-zone coercion, cooperative marine scientific initiative, legal or diplomatic strategy, capacity-building arrangement, or regional expert network—rather than a broad statement of principles or an overly detailed administrative plan. Explain how the proposal could realistically be implemented and how it would contribute to protecting maritime rights, strengthening regional cooperation, upholding international law, and advancing a more peaceful and stable South China Sea.