Download - Royal Australian Navy

300 australian maritime issues 2009: spc-a annual
Conclusion
Extension of existing confidence-building measures to seas and oceans,
especially to areas with the busiest sea-lanes; notification of major naval
activities; the invitation of observers to naval exercises or manoeuvres;
limitations on the number or scale of naval exercises in specific regions;
exchange of information on naval matters; a better flow of objective
information on naval capabilities; greater openness and transparency
on naval matters in general; strict observance of existing maritime
measures which can or are designed to build confidence; rules guiding
naval activities when in conflict with civilian activities, in accordance
with the current law of the sea; and steps to ensure respect for existing
international law with regard to the rights of vessels belonging to the
states neutral to a conflict … The experience gained from bilateral
agreement on the prevention of incidents at sea belong territorial sea
is encouraging. 10
Australia plays an active role in promoting further multilateral cooperation by
improving existing relationships, expanding its training and education assistance
to regional navies, and developing a regional maritime information database.
There are many benefits to bilateralism and multilateralism, there is no doubt that
they help towards decreasing international tension between states. The greater
openness, transparency, confidence and agreements gained through bilateralism and
multilateralism helps nations develop a culture of understanding, respect, trust and
cooperation. This is the basis for which a good international relationship is formed
and it prevents conflict between nations.
Notes
1
Lisa Martin and Beth Simmons, International Institutions: An International Organisation Reader,
The MIT Press, Massachusetts, 2001, p. 45.
2
Hung-mao Tien and Tun-jen Cheng, The Security Environment in the Asia-Pacific, M E Sharpe
Inc, New York, 2000, p. 134.
3
Ji Guoxing, Asian Pacific SLOC Security: The China Factor, Working Paper No. 10, Sea Power
Centre - Australia, Canberra, 2002, p. 17.