Geography
The South China Sea is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area of roughly 3.5 million square kilometres. It is bordered by China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam and stretches from the Macclesfield Bank in the north, to the southernmost tip of Vietnam in the east, and over to the Natuna Islands in the west. This immense body of water is dotted with hundreds of small islands and atolls, a testament to its rich marine life.
Depths and Salinity
The South China Sea has a broad range of depths, from shallow shelf sea floors where coral reefs, submerged rivers and oyster beds are all visible, to much deeper basins that may exceed 4000 metres. In some places, undersea gas fields are hidden beneath thousands of metres of water. As a semi-enclosed sea, salinity levels vary, from 34-36 parts per thousand, due to the natural influx of freshwater from large rivers like the Yangtze and the Mekong. During dry seasons the sea is often saltier than in wet seasons.
Climate
The climate in the South China Sea is generally tropical, and almost all of the sea experiences humid and warm temperatures year round. It is also a windy area, with annual winds between 20 knots (37 km/hour) and 25 knots (45 km/hour). Typhoons usually enter the area during late summer and early autumn, making them more intense and adding more wind energy to the sea.
Marine Life
Due to its great depths, waterways, and biodiversity, the South China Sea is home to some of the most exotic marine life in the world. It is one of the world’s most important fishing grounds, as it is a centre for intense fishing activity and an important source of naturally occurring resources. Fish, shellfish, and crustaceans are abundant in the sea, with a variety of corals, foraminifera, molluscs and other creatures that can be found.
Climate Change
Due to its strategic importance, the South China Sea has been a contested body of water for centuries, and the threat of rising sea levels looms large for the region. With ocean temperatures on the rise, and the effects of climate change being increasingly felt, the future of these waters is uncertain. The shallow depths, and low-lying islands mean that the effects of higher sea levels could be drastic, even devastating.
Maritime Security
The security of the South China Sea is potentially of great importance. It is a vital shipping route, containing resources such as oil and gas, and is increasingly surrounded by military infrastructure, such as artificial islands owned by China. The political tensions in this vivid region makes it an ongoing area of contention, and one that is closely monitored by international organisations.
Pollution and Degradation
The South China Sea is deeply affected by pollution and other kinds of degradation from human activities, from agricultural runoff and sewage to massive amounts of plastic and chemical waste, and oil spills. Industrial activities, as well as fishing and commercial shipping all add to the issues of sedimentation and ocean acidification, threatening the sustainability of the region.
Conservation Efforts
The governments in the South China Sea region have begun to recognize the importance of the body of water and are working together to protect the region’s marine life. Several agreements and conventions have been signed, and conservation efforts, such as marine protected areas, have been put in place. These have led to the adoption of regulations on fishing, shipping and exploration.
Marine Resources Exploration
Although the South China Sea has already been heavily polluted, there are still potential resources that remain untapped. The potential for further exploration of oil and gas resources could bring great economic opportunities for the region, giving much-needed economic boosts. In recent years, countries in the region have been in competition for oil and gas exploration rights, exacerbating maritime tensions.
Tourism Opportunities
The South China Sea region is a major tourist destination, with traditional cultural attractions and a wide range of activities such as fishing, sailing, and diving. Despite the rising tensions in the region, tourism is flourishing as people flock to the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and waters. This has provided a much needed economic lifeline for many of the countries in the region.
Economic Impact
Due to its strategic position in the heart of Asia, the South China Sea has become vitally important for global trade and economics. It is an area of major significance for several countries in the region, with large amounts of shipping traffic and increasingly important for the exchange of goods. Additionally, the potential for further oil and gas exploration could bring an even larger economic impact in the future.
Regional Tensions
Since the late 1990s, the South China Sea region has been mired with territorial claims, competing interests, disputed boundaries, and unresolved sovereignty. This has led to increased tensions between the countries in the region, and a pattern of disputes over maritime rights has prompted concerns among international observers.
Environmental Impact
Due to its great depths, the South China Sea is often considered to be the ‘blue heart’ of the world, yet its condition is deteriorating rapidly due to human activities. There has been a dramatic decrease in coral and seagrass coverage, and increasing levels of pollution, caused by industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and fishing practices. This has led to a significant decline in the area’s flora and fauna, and an increase in ocean acidification.
