The West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, is an area of territorial waters estimated to be more than 1,000,000 square miles, located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. The dispute over the South China Sea has dragged on for a number of years, with conflicting claims from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan. At the heart of the dispute is control over the resources found in the area, including oil and gas reserves, fisheries, and potential undersea mineral reserves.
The conflict in the South China Sea is largely based on interpretations of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippines, has argued that the UNCLOS defines the waters around its coastline, including the part known as the West Philippine Sea, as forming part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). China, on the other hand, claims historic rights to virtually all of the South China Sea.
International opinion on the conflict has shifted in recent years. In 2013, the International Arbitration Court ruled against China for its claims over the sea, although it has since been ignored by China. In the years since, several other countries have come out in support of the Philippines, including most of the G7 countries, as well as Australia and India, and even some ASEAN countries. However, China has refused to acknowledge any rulings made by the court and has consistently reiterated its position that the South China Sea should be treated as Chinese domestic waters.
The South China Sea dispute has also become increasingly important diplomatically, with China trumpeting its alleged ‘historic rights’ to the area and accusing other nations of breaching international law. On the other hand, some countries, in particular the United States, have stressed the need for adherence to the rule of law, and for a resolution to the dispute which respects the rights of all littoral states. In this context, it has become more important than ever for the states involved in this dispute to come to an agreement and resolve the conflict in a peaceful manner, in compliance with international laws and agreements.
The debate over the naming of the area has also been heated, with China insisting that it should be called the South China Sea, while the Philippines insists that it should be referred to as the West Philippine Sea. This is not only a debate over terminology, however, (as terms hold a great deal of cultural and political significance). The Philippines and the other states support their respective claims over the area by referring to it as the West Philippine Sea, while China supports its position by referring to the area as the South China Sea.
This debate over the name is emblematic of the wider conflict in the South China Sea, as it represents the conflicting claims of each nation over the resources found in the area. It is not just a disagreement over terminology, but a point of contention between China, the Philippines, and the other nations in the area. By referring to the same body of water with different names, each nation is staking its claim to the economic resources found therein.
Conflict Resolution
Despite the conflicting claims over the South China Sea and the heated rhetoric around its naming, progress has been made in recent years in engaging the nations involved in the dispute in talks concerning the resolution of the conflict. Negotiations over the conflict first began in 2002 and are now known as the ASEAN-China Negotiations. This is a process by which countries can work together to find a solution to the dispute over the South China Sea that is acceptable to all.
The progress that has been made in the negotiations thus far is encouraging, particularly given the current climate of heightened tensions in the region. The agreement between the countries has been to adopt what is known as a ‘double-track approach’, which involves both a diplomatic dialogue and a number of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs). The aim is to seek to resolve the matter through mutual understanding and cooperation, rather than through coercion or coercion.
This approach is seen as a positive step forward, as it removes the threat of conflict that has been present in the area for many years. However, it is important to note that any agreement reached between the countries must be fully implementable and uphold the principles of international law.
The long-term success of the ASEAN-China dialogue will depend on how well the agreement is implemented and enforced. It will also depend on how well the countries involved can continue to work together towards a lasting and equitable solution.
The Importance of International Involvement
It is also important to note that, although the dispute over the South China Sea is a regional issue, it has broader implications for the international community as a whole. In light of this, it is important for the international community to take an active role in attempting to resolve the dispute. This can be done in a number of ways, such as through the deployment of peacekeeping forces, or through the provision of international mediation.
The international community also has an obligation to uphold the rule of law and to promote peace and stability in the area. This can be done by ensuring that the countries involved in the dispute respect international norms and work towards finding a peaceful and equitable resolution to the conflict.
In addition, there is a need for increased international financial and technical assistance to help the countries in the region to develop their economies and create jobs and livelihood opportunities in order to help bring about sustainable development in the area. This can be done through the provision of aid, loans and investments, and could prove to be an important factor in helping to resolve the dispute.
Economic Ramifications
Finally, it is important to consider the economic implications of a resolution of the dispute. The South China Sea is home to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes, and is a vital source of energy and marine resources. If a resolution to the dispute is reached, this could open up new opportunities for the region, and could potentially drive the development of the area, helping to create jobs and improve the standard of living for the people in the area. On the other hand, if the dispute is allowed to continue and escalate, it could jeopardize the economic prospects for the area, as well as the stability of the region as a whole. Therefore, it is essential that the countries involved in the dispute work together to find a solution which is agreeable to them all.
Environmental Protection
It is also important to consider the environmental impacts of an agreement over the South China Sea, as the marine environment in the area is fragile and delicate. Any resolution to the dispute should take into account the need to protect and preserve the marine environment in the region. This can be done by establishing a no-take zone in the areas of the South China Sea which are of particular ecological significance, and by monitoring and regulating the fishing activities of the states in the area so as to help preserve the forests, mangroves and coral reefs in the area.
In addition, measures should be taken to ensure that any potential damage caused by the activities of the states in the area is minimized and remedied. This could include the development of robust monitoring systems, and the enforcement of strict regulations and penalties for any breaches of the international law in the area.
Education and Awareness
Finally, it is essential that all the states involved in the dispute ensure that their citizens are fully informed about the issues and the legal implications of any agreement over the South China Sea. This can be achieved through the creation of education and awareness campaigns, and by engaging with the communities in the region so as to ensure that any agreement reached is well-understood and accepted. Overall, this can help to facilitate greater understanding between the states in the area and help to ensure that any agreement reached is widely accepted.
