The South China Sea has been a source of contention in the region for many years. Since the Cold War, countries in the area have contested the rights to exploitation of the sea’s resources, as well as the maritime boundaries of their territorial waters. The question of whether the South China Sea is part of the Pacific Ocean or not has been asked by many.
To answer this question correctly, one must first look at the physical geography of the region. To this end, the South China Sea is geographically a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean – bound by the Chinese mainland to the west ; the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan to the east; the Indonesian islands of Borneo and Sulawesi to the south; and the island of Hainan to the north. It has an area of approximately 3.5 million km2 and serves as an important passageway between the Indian and Pacific oceans.
The dividing line between the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea is less clear than other ocean parts and the majority of the world’s maps depict the annexation of the South China Sea as part of the Pacific Ocean. According to many leading oceanographers, the dividing line should be seen as one of convenience, with the South China Sea falling under the sovereignty of the Pacific.
Though the majority of experts agree that the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, there are those who disagree. These dissenting voices point to the fact that the South China Sea has its own unique climate and environment and is thus distinct from the Pacific Ocean. The presence of deepwater reefs, vast kelp forests and a unique range of fish, invertebrates and sea grass meadows, attest to the sea’s distinct self-identity. Moreover, the South China Sea has a distinct food web that is influenced by nutrient flow from East Asia, further testament to its separation from the Pacific.
In terms of international law, the rulings of the various courts involved in this issue have been difficult to put into a single interpretation, such is the complex nature of the region. However, a growing trend amongst the judgments of these courts lies with the designation of the South China Sea as part of the Pacific Ocean. This appears to suggest a clear consensus in the international community, that the South China Sea should be recognised as an extension of the Pacific.
Economic Implications
On an economic level, the debate is undeniably one sided. Access to the waters of the South China Sea is a major source of revenue for many of the countries in the region, making the sea a valuable resource. Many of the countries rely on the lucrative fishing and mineral resource potential of the South China Sea. The potential of further oil and gas reserves, as well as the hydropower potential of the numerous waterways, are all of increasing interest to the countries in this region.
These resource fears have lead to intense competition amongst the nations in the region. Countries are eager to maintain and expand their territorial waters in the South China Sea, in an attempt to maintain exclusive access to the valuable resources. The debate concerning the South China Sea’s legal status has thus become a divisive political issue with many countries eager to maintain the status quo in their favour.
The economic implications of the South China Sea are very significant and it is clear that there is vested interest in the region. As a consequence, the South China Sea is often described as a flashpoint of sorts and a potential trigger for regional unrest.
Environmental Impact
The question of jurisdiction surrounding this region of the world obviously involves deep economic and political implications, but there is also an important ecological aspect to consider. The South China Sea is home to an abundance of species and is a vital part of the marine ecosystem in the region. This has not gone unnoticed by the countries competing for control of the region.
Increasing environmental degradation resulting from human exploitation of the South China Sea’s resources is a huge concern for many. Industrial activities such as overfishing, aquaculture, oil spillage and water pollution can have devastating effects on the fragile marine ecosystem of the South China Sea. All of this emphasizes the need to strike a balance between human exploitation of the sea and its preservation, to ensure its continued prosperity.
There is thus a need to establish the best way forward in order to secure the future of the South China Sea’s valuable resources. One option that may be considered is the creation of a series of intergovernmental agreements between the countries of the region that could establish a unified strategy for the long-term protection of the region. Such a solution could ensure a fruitful future for the ecosystem, as well as an equitable distribution of the resources available.
Regional Security Implications
Recent years have seen a militarization of the South China Sea, with numerous countries engaged in a sort of geopolitical tug of war. This has generated a significant amount of tension in the region, as countries attempt to assert their territorial rights within the boundaries of the South China Sea. The deployment of military vessels, the establishment of militarized artificial islands and the increased naval presence of certain countries has done little to alleviate the situation.
Escalating clashes in the region, whether it be with vessels, sound systems or even radio transmissions, has led to an increase in regional security concerns. Furthermore, these clashes serve to heighten public tensions in the region, leading to an increase in nationalist sentiment in certain countries. It is clear, then, that the future of the South China Sea is not only an economic and ecological issue, but also a security concern that requires a diplomatic solution.
International Involvement
In order to secure the future of the South China Sea, it is essential that the international community be involved. Many of the issues present in the region cannot be solved by countries individually, but rather through collaborative action from the international community. This necessity, has been recognized by many, including the United Nations (UN) which is a key player in resolving the various disputes which surround the sea.
The UN has been heavily involved in facilitating dialogue between the countries of the region. Not only has the UN provided a platform for diplomatic exchange and cooperation, it has also sought to mediate the various disputes that exist in the region. The UN is thus a vital component in maintaining peace in the South China Sea and will continue to be so in the future.
Conclusion
It is clear that the South China Sea is a complex and contentious region, with many disagreements existing between the countries in the region. Not only is the sea economically important, but it also bears ecological and security implications that must be addressed in a diplomatic and cooperative manner. The role of the international community and in particular, the United Nations, is paramount to the long-term stability of the South China Sea.
