The Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty

The Bangkok Treaty (1995) serves global non-proliferation and enhances prospects for security in the Asia-Pacific region. By covering the maritime regions of Southeast Asia, the Treaty creates an additional layer of constraint on the use of force by China to enforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea. There are two ways in which the international community can support the Treaty. First, it should explore the possibility of playing the role of facilitator in successfully completing the negotiations over the Protocol. Second, the novel features of the Treaty - particularly its coverage of territorial seas and the comprehensive nature of security assurances it seeks from the nuclear powers - should be studied for possible adoption elsewhere.