What Is The South China Sea?
The South China Sea is an arm of the Pacific Ocean and is located between China and countries of Southeast Asia. It is home to two-thirds of the world’s shipping, and is also known for its large reserves of oil and natural gas. This large body of water is also home to a vast array of fish, one of the most important resources for the region.
The South China Sea is a bone of contention between China and its neighbors. The countries involved in the dispute include the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The ongoing conflict involves the sovereignty over several archipelagos and reefs, the majority of which are located beyond the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zones of the countries present.
China’s Claim Over The South China Sea
China claims much of the South China Sea, based upon its nine-dash line map, first published in 1947. The nine-dash line map encompasses a large area of the South China Sea and parts of the Spratly and Paracel Islands. It has been the source of much dispute between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors, as the other countries claim the same area on the map.
There are two main reasons for China’s extensive claims. The first is based upon their historical documents, which date back to the 1100s. The second is based upon geographical logic, as the islands located in the area give China a strong presence in the South China Sea.
China is backed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in its pursuit of its claim. UNCLOS defines a country’s exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as an area extending 200 nautical miles out from a country’s shoreline. China claims that most of the islands they have sovereign access to are conveniently located less than 200 nautical miles away, giving them their right of access to the area and exclusive maritime rights in the South China Sea.
How Much Of The South China Sea Does China Claim?
China claims virtually all of the South China Sea and has continued to solidify its claims despite protests from its neighboring countries. According to satellite data from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), China has developed seven out ofSpratly’s 17 disputed islands and five out of Paracel’s 14 disputed islands and reefs, adding surveillance systems along with airstrips, naval and airbases, and harbors.
China has also constructed many other territorial infrastructure in the area, further undermining the claims of its neighbors. These include a radar station on one of Spratly’s islands, a surface-to-air missile system and fighter jet component on another, and the recently built artificial structures in the Macclesfield Bank region of the South China Sea.
Other Countries in the South China Sea Dispute
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan also claim part or all of the South China Sea. The dispute is not only over the nine-dash line map but also about who has the right to exploit the resources found in the area. These countries argue that the nine-dash line map is not in accordance with international law, and that China’s claim is invalid.
The other countries have invested considerable resources in their claims, with Vietnam constructing several artificial islands, and the Philippines vowing to defend its security and sovereign interests in the region. Malaysia has been among the most vocal opponents of China’s claim, with its foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, stating that “The nine-dash line is a relic of history, and has no standing in international law.”
The Role of International Bodies
The dispute between China and its neighbors has been taken up by several international bodies, most notably the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
The ASEAN-China agreement attempts to “promote peace, security and stability in the region” and “clarify the scope of their respective rights and obligations” regarding the South China Sea. However, the agreement does not settle the disputes between the parties, merely offering a framework for negotiations.
In 2016, the PCA ruled in favour of the Philippines and rejected China’s territorial claim. It ruled that the nine-dash line map was invalid, due to it contradicting the UN conventions. This decision, while not binding, has put pressure on China and its Southeast Asian rivals to come to an agreement.
Current Situation And Prospects
Currently, tensions in the South China Sea remain between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors. In recent years, Chinese vessels have become increasingly aggressive, particularly towards rival vessels in the area.
However, efforts to find a peaceful solution through negotiations are still ongoing. In July 2020, for example, China and the ASEAN signed a consultation plan concerning the dispute. It is hoped that through further negotiations, a resolution to the dispute can be reached.
Implications Of China’s Claims
The implications of China’s claims are far-reaching. For one, it has caused a great deal of tension in the region and has created a state of insecurity and instability. A dispute such as this, if unresolved, can have catastrophic consequences.
In addition, the implications extend to the international level. China’s claims have caused other countries, such as the United States, to become involved in the dispute and further complicate the situation. China’s actions have been widely condemned internationally, and it is clear that more effort needs to be put into finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The Relevance Of International Laws
International laws are a critical part of resolving a conflict such as the one in the South China Sea. The UNCLOS, for example, provides a framework for the negotiation of maritime borders, which all the countries involved in the dispute are expected to abide by.
The rulings of the Permanent Court of Arbitration must also be respected and adhered to, while the negotiation process should be conducted in a peaceful and constructive manner. A peaceful, negotiated resolution to the dispute is the best way to ensure a secure, prosperous and stable future for the region.
The Impact On Nearby Countries
The protracted dispute in the South China Sea has had a damaging impact on the neighboring countries. Fishermen are unable to access the area, given the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and claims of exclusive maritime rights by China. This has resulted in decreased catches and a decline in the incomes of many families in the region.
In addition, the presence of Chinese vessels has led to dangerous situations, such as in the case of the Philippines, which had to pass through Chinese-patrolled waters in order to reach its outposts in the South China Sea. As such, the situation has become an increasingly more dangerous one for the countries in the region.
International Reactions
The dispute in the South China Sea has drawn strong criticism from the international community. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, for instance, has described China’s claims as “completely unlawful”.
Other countries have also called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, with the European Union voicing its condemnation of China’s actions. In a statement, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated that “The EU does not recognize the Nine-Dash Line and rejects any unilateral actions that would change the status quo and increase tensions.”
The Impact On China
China’s actions in the South China Sea have had a significant impact on the country itself. The country has been heavily criticized for its disregard of international law and its disregard for the welfare of its neighbors.
At the same time, China’s stance has allowed it to gain a degree of control over the area, gaining access to its rich resources. This has allowed China to expand its maritime and military capabilities in the region, and has increased its influence in the South China Sea.
Conclusion
The dispute over the South China Sea’s resources is an ongoing conflict that affects all of the countries in the region. China’s reliance on historical documents and geographical logic in order to justify its claim has been met with strong resistance from its neighbors, who have similarly staked their claims. Meanwhile, international bodies such as the ASEAN and the PCA have attempted to provide a framework for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
This conflict has had a significant impact on the countries involved, including China, which has been criticized for its disregard of international law and its disregard for the well-being of its neighbors. It is now more important than ever for all sides to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in order to ensure the stability and economic prosperity of the South China Sea region.
