The South China Sea has been a contentious area for some time. On December 1, 2019, a U.S. Navy submarine, Los Angeles-class submarine USS John Warner, sailed through the South China Sea to challenge Beijing’s excessive claims, sparking a tense encounter with Chinese warships in the region. The submarine had been on a classified mission in the South China Sea when it was surrounded by Chinese ships.
The presence of the submarine had been detected by the Chinese Navy and they rushed to the area. On December 1, an armada of destroyers, frigates, armed trawlers, and aircraft, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning, was dispatched by the Chinese Navy and the intensity sensation of the mission was immediately multiplied.
The US Navy maintained the submarine was on a freedom of navigation exercise, while China seemed to have other plans. Reports suggested that the Chinese ships had attempted to block the US Navy vessel from entering the South China Sea. However, nothing serious came of the incident and the submarine eventually passed through without engaging in any hostile action. It is believed the Chinese were attempting to test the submarine but the US Navy was firm in its stance.
The whole incident is a reminder of just how tense and treacherous the situation around the South China Sea could be. Even though both sides were careful not to create a conflict, the fact is that China and the United States have conflicting interests in the region. China claims a large portion of the South China Sea, calling the waters ‘historic core interests.’ This directly conflicts with US interests as the US Navy has frequently conducted freedom of navigation exercises within 12-nautical mile zones claimed by China.
The incident draws attention to the need for better communication and understanding between the US and China when it comes to activities in the South China Sea. The presence of so many naval ships on both sides is proof of how easily things could go wrong and result in a military confrontation in the area.
China has been determined to secure domain in the South China Sea, constructing artificial islands by dredging sand and reportedly using force to keep rival nations actions at bay. On the other hand, the US is clearly determined to demonstrate its presence in the region and its only way to do this is to keep conducting freedom of navigation missions among these waters.
It is safe to say that this incident has increased the already tense situation in the South China Sea. The presence of the US Navy submarine drew attention to the tensions and reminded us once again of the urgency to resolve the dispute. It is clear that a resolution has to be reached if tensions are to cool down in the South China Sea.
International Conflict
The incident was an international conflict-laden affair, many observers saw the encounter as the latest aggressive acts in the contest for control over the South China Sea. It is believed to be a reminder of how the competing claims of the US and China, as well as those of other nations, could result in serious confrontation in the region. With that being said, the US Navy was careful not to provoke a situation that could escalate into a direct conflict.
The US Navy has reiterated its commitment to maintain the free navigation of the South China Sea. The US has also been critical of Chinese activities in the region, calling their actions “illegal”. This further deepens the conflict and tensions between the two nations and could create a situation that could be difficult to solve.
In the face of increasing tension, there remains a strong need for dialogue between the US and China as well as other nations in the region. The issue can only be resolved if all sides agree to engage in peaceful negotiations. US Secretary of Defence, James Mattis said, “any steps that militarise the South China Sea will be a serious concern to us”. This statement echoes the opinion of many observers and suggests the need for a diplomatic means to the resolution of the South China Sea dispute.
Environmental Impact
The incident has also highlighted the need for better awareness and understanding of the environmental impact of activities in the South China Sea. Chinese dredging of sand, which is used for the construction of artificial islands, poses long-term environmental impacts to the region. The Chinese activities are seen as responsible for the destruction of coral reefs, marine life, and fish stocks in the region.
In a 2013 statement, the United Nations Secretary-General emphatically condemned the “widespread, long-term and severe” environmental damage caused by Chinese dredging activities in the South China Sea. He urged the Chinese government to end the activities, noting their potential to further escalate the tensions in the region. The US and other nations have also warned of the potential ecological impact of the Chinese activities.
The US Navy has also commented on the potential danger posed by the increased military presence in the area, noting that submarines and warships in the South China Sea add to the risk of oil spills and other environmental disasters. This risk is amplified by the potential for a direct confrontation between the Chinese and US forces.
Political Implications
The incident in the South China Sea has also brought political implications to the forefront. As an example, it has created unease amongst some governments in countries nearby the region, creating a situation in which some nations fear being caught in the middle of the conflict. This is because a direct confrontation between the two sides could potentially result in a direct conflict between them.
The incident has also created a need for better communication between nations. Nations involved in the dispute need to establish clear communication channels and diplomatic missions in order to find a workable solution to the issue. For instance, the US and China have established a hotline, through which they can coordinate their military presence in the waters and improve the current situation.
Finally, the incident has sparked debates about the need for US presence in the South China Sea. US presence in the region is seen by many as necessary to protect freedom of navigation and monitor Chinese activities. Some argue that US presence is necessary in order to ensure the rights and freedoms of the region’s smaller nations.
China and US Relationship
The incident has also raised questions about the current status of the Sino-US relationship. The Chinese and US militaries have become further entrenched in a complex web of relations in the South China Sea. Both countries have been trying to demonstrate their strength but it is clear that the situation could easily escalate if not managed carefully.
The South China Sea dispute has become a test of China’s willingness to cooperate with the US and other countries in the region. It is clear that the status of the Sino-US, and broader region, depends on the management of this dispute and the ability of all sides to communicate. This is why all sides have adopted a careful approach, exercising control over actions and ensuring that their respective stances and actions are not misunderstood.
The US Navy’s ability to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the area has been a potent reminder to the Chinese and other nations of the US’ determination to protect its interests in the region. It has also resulted in China improving their naval capabilities in the area, which could further complicate the situation.
Future Prospects
The incident has highlighted the need for all parties to adopt a diplomatic solution to the dispute in the South China Sea. US officials have stated that they will continue to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the region and will stand firm in their stance. In response, China has indicated that it is open to dialogue and has reportedly welcomed US efforts to initiate talks.
Ultimately, all sides need to come together to resolve the dispute and ensure the security and stability of the region. This will require the establishment of a framework that can facilitate and promote cooperative activities in the South China Sea and ensure the interests of all sides are addressed. All parties must also avoid unilateral action and demonstrate a willingness to compromise.
The future will undoubtedly be determined by the willingness of both sides to talk and reach a compromise that can de-escalate the situation. It will take a lot of effort and dialogue to reach a mutually beneficial solution that can secure the interests and rights of all parties involved in the dispute.
Conclusion
The December 2019 incident involving the US submarine USS John Warner in the South China Sea is one that should not be forgotten. It is a potent reminder of the contention present in the South China Sea and the potential for a physical confrontation between China and the US. It is important to note that the situation requires better communication between all parties involved and a willingness to compromise and reach a mutually beneficial solution.