ABSTRACT
Track II diplomacy is an informal and non-governmental process that aims to build confidence, promote cooperation, and prevent conflicts among states. Though unofficial in nature, it assists government officials in solving state problems or resolving inter-state conflicts through peaceful discussions and constructive dialogues. Track II lays the groundwork for Track I processes to occur. Track II mechanisms play important roles in promoting cooperation in the South China Sea (SCS). The knowledge produced through Track II activities has effectively contributed to the adoption of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It also provides useful inputs to the on-going China-ASEAN negotiation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). The Indonesia sponsored Workshops, the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific (CSCAP) Workshops, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) Conferences, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)/Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) Conferences, among others, are known Track II mechanisms covering SCS issues. The leading Track II mechanism promoting cooperation in the SCS between China and ASEAN countries in recent years is the China-Southeast Asia Research Center on the South China Sea (CSARC).
