The South China Sea is a vital body of water stretching from the Karimata Strait to the Strait of Taiwan that encompasses a wide range of maritime nations. Given its sheer size, many would be forgiven for not knowing how far the South China Sea is from Sydney Australia. For some, its distance may surprise, as Sydney is nearly 5,000 kilometers away from the body of water.
In recent years, the international relations between the nations surrounding it have become increasingly strained. With the area being highly disputed, the South China Sea is now home to a variety of maritime boundaries. The exact distance from Sydney Australia to the South China Sea depends on which section of the sea it is measured from. By looking at the closest point, which is situated in the Gulf of Tonkin on the border between China and Vietnam, the total distance from Sydney to Vietnam is approximately 4,713 kilometers.
Sailing, however, is not the only way to travel from Sydney to the South China Sea. Direct flights between Sydney and Hanoi, Vietnam (one of the nations that claims sovereignty over the South China Sea) takes around 10 hours and will cover the nearly 5,000 kilometers in the air.
Much of the conflict in the South China Sea surrounds the features located within it. Several nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, China, and Malaysia all possess overlapping claims on certain features, such as coral reefs and small islands. This poses a major problem, as each nation views these features differently.
From a legal standpoint, the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines these features as “rocks” or “islands”. According to this convention, any feature classified as a “rock” can only grant a nation a 200-mile exclusive economic zone and no territorial rights, whereas an “island” grants more expansive rights, depending on whether it is able to sustain human habitation. China, and Vietnam have attempted to expand their respective economic zones by claiming the features located within the South China Sea and classifying them as islands.
While the conflict over the South China Sea has not directly affected Australia, the ripple effects from the political tension are undeniable. As Australia has numerous nations within its region, it always maintains close diplomatic ties with many of the governments that remain involved in the disputes located in the South China Sea. As a form of international law, UNCLOS sets forth many of the boundaries and rights of maritime law and as such can set precedence for both regional and international disputes.
Academic Perspectives
The South China Sea is the subject of extensive studies, particularly the legal and political tensions behind the disputes. To this end, many universities and research institutions have looked into the cultural, environmental, and legal implications of the current state of affairs.
One of the most pressing questions is how the dispute in the South China Sea fits into the wider context of a globalized legal framework. International law is an incredibly complex entity, and is prone to missteps in interpretation and application. While most of the legal disputes surrounding the South China Sea have been mainly between the nations vying for control, questions of interpretation of the law have arisen from experts in different legal disciplines.
Many researches have argued that the UNCLOS’s definition of what constitutes an “island” is outdated and too narrow, especially in the face of human-induced climate change. As a result, there have been intense debates surrounding the idea of allowing for “artificial islands” to be recognized by international law, thereby disrupting the status quo of the South China Sea by granting the states more expansive rights.
Environmental Consequences
Not only has the South China Sea conflict had a serious effect on the international relations between the nations involved, but also on the environment of the sea. With an increase in the political tension of the region, many of the area’s traditional fishing grounds have been closed off to local fishermen. This has resulted in a decrease of both production and sale of fish, and an increase in human rights international issues.
The South China Sea also serves as a natural reservoir for many endangered species, many of which are being heavily threatened due to activities such as fishing and oil drilling. Economic development in the region has led to increased pollution of the sea, which in turn affects the fragile ecosystem of the sea.
The construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea further exacerbates environmental issues. This can affect the biological diversity of the area. Studies conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society and other environmental organization have found that dredging and subsequent construction of artificial islands has caused coral bleaching and sedimentation. As a result of these activities, sea grass beds and essential habitats for fish have been destroyed.
Impact On Chinese-Australian Relations
China is Australia’s largest trading partner and the South China Sea dispute has raised concern from both sides. China is the largest claimant in the South China Sea dispute and has consistently sought to establish its superiority over its neighbors. This has raised alarm from many Australian politicians and diplomats due to the risk of China’s power being misused.
As a result, Australia has been very vocal in its disapproval of Chinese activities in the South China Sea. Australia’s position on the matter is one of maintaining peace, and as such it has been vocal in both its condemnation of Chinese militarization of the region and its support of the maintenance of freedom of navigation and overflight.
The Chinese response has been swift and critical. China has criticized Australia for its interference and alleged the nation of damaging the bilateral relationship between Australia and China. China has also claimed that Australia is attempting to hamper its legitimate rights and interests in the South China Sea.
Economic Implications
The South China Sea is home to some of the most important trading routes in the world. It is estimated that over half of the world’s merchant vessels pass through the area. As such, the disputed feature found within it such as artificial islands and reefs, can affect major shipping routes and disrupt the total supply chain.
The economic implications of the South China Sea disputes have been felt around the world. The 2009 US economic stimulus package was partially funded by US trade with China, and many of the goods pass through the South China Sea. In addition, the US government has issued sanctions against Chinese companies involved in the construction of artificial islands.
The disputes have also resulted in increased tensions between many of the surrounding nations. This has led to increased military presence in the region and a general rise in the military expenditure of each nation. This in turn has had a dramatic effect on the economy of the countries involved, and has had a direct impact on both foreign investment and worker wages.
International Efforts For Resolution
There have been a variety of international efforts to resolve the disputes found in the South China Sea. In 2002, the Association of South East Asian Nations and China began negotiations to establish a Code of Conduct in the region. In 2016, the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration also determined that China had violated the sovereignty of the Philippines in a number of areas in the sea.
Recently, the United States has stepped up its efforts to foster a united front in the face of Chinese aggression. The United States has encouraged those who wish to resolve the disputes diplomatically, and has urged China to abide by international law. The US has also encouraged its allies and partners to work together to reduce tensions in the region and find a peaceful resolution to the disputes.
Negotiations between the regional parties have taken place, with the latest round being held in August of 2019. This represents a major step forward in efforts to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea. The negotiations include discussions on a variety of topics, most notably, the legally binding framework that would allow all the parties to act in accordance with international law.
Australian Position On South China Sea Disputes
Australia has repeatedly stated that it is opposed to any unilateral actions taken in the South China Sea. This is in keeping with Australia’s status as a pacifist nation, and as such it has sought to remain neutral in the dispute. Australia has made clear its stance that it will not recognize any efforts of other countries to monopolize the region.
The Australian government has issued statements reiterating its support for regional peace and security, and has adopted a hard stance against any violations of international law. Australia has held firm to its view that diplomatic discussions are necessary to solve the disputes. It has offered to mediate negotiations and communication between the countries in the region, and has also stated its commitment to providing an independent and impartial international forum for dispute resolution.
Conclusion
The South China Sea is a vital body of water located in one of the most geopolitically contested regions in the world. At nearly 5,000 kilometers away, its distance from Sydney Australia may surprise some. The South China Sea is currently the subject of intense legal and political disputes between countries over the ownership of various features within it.
What’s more, the region has experienced serious environmental consequences due to the disputes, with activities such as fishing, dredging and oil drilling causing irreparable damage to the local ecosystems. In addition, the disputes have had an effect on the relationship between Australia and China, the two countries being vocal in their disapproval of each other’s stance.
The international community has made attempts to resolve the disputes peacefully, though these have been met with varying levels of success. Australia has taken an assertive stance, calling for diplomatic discussions and a legally binding framework to ensure peace and security in the region. With so much at stake, the South China Sea remains a place of great international importance.
