Does Pakistan Have A Claim In South China Sea?
The South China Sea, encompassing the waters and reefs around the western coast of the Philippines and Vietnam, has become a source of regional tension between various claimants. Pakistan is one of the countries that claims a part of the sea—but does it have sufficient backing for its claim? This article takes a closer look at the serious geopolitical questions that arise from the South China Sea dispute.
In the waters of South China Sea lies rich fishing grounds, huge reserves of oil and gas, and also huge mineral deposits. This makes it appealing for various countries to lay claim to the disputed waters, regardless of how its adjudicated. Pakistan is one of those nations claiming part of the South China Sea, claiming it as part of their exclusive economic zone, or EEZ. But what legal backing do they actually possess?
International law states that only countries with a direct border or coastline abutting a body of water can establish a claim of EEZ or zone of exclusive economic activity. The issue is that while Pakistan claims part of the South China Sea as its EEZ, it does not have a direct contiguous border with it. This makes it difficult for Pakistan to legally create an EEZ claim in the sea.
The Law of the Sea Treaty, which enshrines the principle for EEZs, also states that a coastal state can extend the EEZ beyond its immediate coastline. However, in the case of the South China Sea, the terms of the treaty allow a state to claim only a maximum of 200 nautical miles out from their coast. This means that, even if Pakistan had a direct continental border with the South China Sea, their claim could only extend some 200 nautical miles east or west.
Another issue complicating Pakistan’s claim is the fact that the South China Sea is already disputed among various countries. Already, seven other nations have laid claim to parts of the sea. Further complicating the matter is the fact that some of these countries also have preexisting territorial claims to land within the vicinity of the sea. For example, the Philippines, Vietnam and China all have claims to the Spratly Islands, waters that potentially could be part of Pakistan’s EEZ.
What this puts Pakistan in is a very precarious position, as the dispute is likely to become increasingly complicated and entrenched in the near future. Other claimants have declared EEZs extending beyond 200 nautical miles, meaning that if Pakistan gets involved it is likely to face a very complicated and drawn out legal battle. The question that remains, then, is whether Pakistan is willing to put in the effort to stake its claim.
Military Capacity
Pakistan’s potential claim to the South China Sea puts into perspective their military capacity in the region. It is true that the Pakistani armed forces are highly excellent and capable of responding to any potential threats in the region. Pakistan’s navy, army, and air force are accredited with playing a major role in all of Pakistan’s maritime affairs.
Pakistan’s navy has led several successful military operations in the past, which have proven its ability to protect the nation’s interests in regional waters. For example, the Pakistan Navy was involved in the capture of the MV Al Husaini, a vessel believed to have been carrying money and arms for pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden and other Indian Ocean waters.
It has also been involved in successful operations against piracy and terrorism and provides coastal security across Pakistan’s coastlines. Furthermore, Pakistan has made investments in its submarine fleet, which indicates that the country is serious in protecting its maritime interests in the region.
The Importance Of Diplomacy
In any potential dispute over the South China Sea, the Pakistani government should not overlook the importance of diplomacy. Relations between China and Pakistan have improved over the last few years, and the two countries now cooperate closely on a range of issues. This could provide an opportunity to discuss their claims to the contested waters and to resolve any differences peacefully.
Pakistan has also established strong diplomatic and military ties with other countries in the region, such as Vietnam and the Philippines. This means that it may be possible to reach an agreement between these countries, allowing all parties to suffer minimal losses. At the same time, Pakistan should be mindful of the potential for conflict, especially as other claimants become increasingly entrenched in their positions.
Economic Impact
Pakistan’s potential claim to the South China Sea poses a number of economic challenges. While the sea contains a wealth of resources, including oil, gas, and fishing grounds, it is also likely to be a source of tension between the various competing claimants. An unresolved dispute could also lead to increased instability in the region, as Pakistan and other claimants become increasingly emboldened in their territorial claims.
At the same time, the potential for access to resources provided by the South China Sea could significantly benefit Pakistan. The country could secure access to critical resources needed to support its growing population and build its economy. This could, in turn, lead to greater economic opportunities for Pakistan, including the potential for investment and job creation.
International Climate
Another factor to consider is the changing international climate in the South China Sea region. In recent years, the US has become increasingly aggressive in its stance on the dispute, with President Trump threatening to impose economic sanctions on China. This could have a far-reaching effect on the conflict, as well as any potential outcome of Pakistan’s claim.
The US’s increasingly antagonistic stance towards China could lead to increased tensions in the South China Sea region. This could spark a more regional conflict, as other countries become more invested in the dispute. It is also possible that US pressure could be used to push for a settlement of the dispute, which could potentially benefit Pakistan.
Legal Precautions
Pakistan should take legal precautions in any potential involvement in the dispute. Any steps taken should be done in accordance with international law, in order to avoid receiving any repercussions from other claimants or the international community. It is also important for Pakistan to be aware of the diplomatic implications of any steps taken, and to ensure that any agreement reached would not be detrimental to its own interests in the long term.
At the same time, it is also important for Pakistan to consider the potential economic benefits of reaching an agreement. As previously mentioned, the waters of the South China Sea are rich in resources, such as oil and gas, and could provide an incredible opportunity for economic growth and development. It is therefore important that Pakistan carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of staking its claim to the region.
Conclusion
Pakistan has a legitimate claim to part of the South China Sea and should look to pursue it. In doing so, however, Pakistan should be aware of the complications that come with the dispute. It should take steps to ensure that any potential agreement does not harm its interests, legally or economically, and should also take into consideration the changing international climate in the region.
