Background Information
Since the 1950’s, China’s ambitious building program has been designed to increase its military and economic footprint in the South China Sea. Strategic investments in the region have been made over the past two decades with China developing seven artificial Islands located in the sea’s disputed Spratly chain. This has been in spite of international sanctions. Subsequent satellite images have depicted the development of multi-story buildings, runways and radar domes on the reclaimed Islands. Recent reports also state that China has deployed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface to air defense systems. The purpose of this article is to explore what is China building in the South China Sea.
China’s Military Bases
Beijing has been steadily constructing military bases on its artificial islands in the South China Sea over the past five years. These bases enable China to control the safety of its ships and follow international laws of the sea. It has also enabled China to respond effectively to hostile actions and protect its maritime interests. Examples of military bases include: Woody Island, which is located in the Paracel archipelago and has the capability of launching fighter jets and surface-to-air missiles.
Another example is Fiery Cross Reef, which is located in the Spratly Islands, and has a 3, 000 meter runway that is capable of accommodating most aircraft. China has also constructed an air base on Mischief Reef as well as a satellite tracking facility on Fiery Cross Reef. These military bases give China a powerful presence in the South China Sea and allow them to project power in the region.
Economic Development Projects
China is also constructing economic development projects to strengthen their presence in the South China Sea. In 2017, China announced the construction of three new lighthouses in the region in a bid to improve navigation safety and infrastructure. In addition, plans have also been made to build a refinery plant on Woody Island as well as expand Fiery Cross Reef by reclaiming land and build an international port.
These developments will create job opportunities in the region and attract further investment. It is also hoped that they will help develop the region’s economy and improve the lives of the local population. In addition, China has also made plans to construct an underwater surveillance network in the South China Sea to help protect its maritime interests.
Security Implications
China’s growing presence in the South China Sea has caused concerns for many countries in the region. The increased military presence of China in the region has led to rising tensions between many countries including China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. The security implications of this are serious as any military conflict between these countries could have repercussions for the whole region.
Beijing has claimed that all of its activities in the South China Sea are for defensive purposes and are not meant to antagonize any countries in the region. However, many experts feel that the increased military presence of China in the area could lead to increased militarization and endanger peace and stability in the region.
The Reactions of the International Community
The international community has expressed deep concerns over China’s activities in the South China Sea. In 2016, a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s claims over much of the South Sea were invalid and that the country had violated the rights of the Philippines in the process. The international community urged China to comply with the ruling and respect the maritime rights of the other countries in the region.
At the same time, the US has also been vocal in its opposition to China’s activities in the South China Sea. In 2018, US warships sailed close to Chinese controlled reefs and islets in a bid to contest Beijing’s claim of sovereignty. The US also conducted a series of military exercises with other nations in the region, which has been seen as a clear message to China that its claims over the South China Sea will not be tolerated.
China’s Strategic Interest
While much of the focus has been on China’s military activities in the South China Sea, Beijing has also invested heavily in the region’s economy and infrastructure. China has been very clear in its ambitions that it wants to expand its influence in the South China Sea and establish itself as the regional power. China views the South China Sea as a vital strategic interest and a key to its long-term security.
Not only does it provide China with access to resources, but it also helps protect its large population of citizens who live in the coastal cities and towns in mainland China. In addition, controlling the South China Sea would also give China access to the major shipping routes in the region, which would provide it with greater economic benefits.
Analysis and Reflection
China’s activities in the South China Sea have caused serious tensions in the region. China’s growing military and economic presence in the area have been seen as a sign of its ambitions to become a regional superpower. This has caused alarm in many countries in the region and has even led to the US taking military action to challenge Beijing’s claims.
It is important to note that while China is investing heavily in the South China Sea, it is also taking into account the needs of other countries in the region. Beijing has been keen to engage with other countries in the South China Sea and is trying to find ways to reach a peaceful resolution. As such, it is important that the international community works together to ensure that this goal is achieved.
International Cooperation
The South China Sea dispute is a complex issue and will require cooperation from all the nations involved in order to achieve a peaceful resolution. China has called for dialogue and cooperation among all parties in the South China Sea, and has also stated that it is open to negotiations. The US has also shown a willingness to cooperate with China on this issue and has urged other countries in the region to do the same.
It is essential that all the countries in the region work together to find a way to peacefully resolve this dispute. China’s presence in the South China Sea is an important factor in ensuring the security and prosperity of the region, but it is also essential that this is done in a way that respects the rights of other countries in the region and avoids conflict.
Arbitration
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a legal framework for the settlement of disputes in the South China Sea. It sets out the rules for a formal arbitration process, which can be used to resolve disputes between nations. The process involves an impartial third-party, who will weigh-up arguments from all sides and make a ruling. This is seen as a far more efficient way to settle disputes than resorting to military force, and has been used to settle other international disputes in the past.
However, the arbitration process is not always successful and can result in tensions further escalating. This is something that all the countries in the South China Sea should keep in mind when seeking to resolve this dispute.
International Law
International law provides a comprehensive framework to settle the dispute in the South China Sea. It establishes rules and regulations that all countries must adhere to and provides a mechanism for resolving disputes. China has been very vocal in its support of international law and has called on all countries in the region to work together to ensure that their waters remain secure and conflict-free.
At the same time, it is also essential that all countries in the South China Sea abide by international law and respect the rights of their neighbors. This will help to ensure that mutual understanding and cordial relationships exist in the region.
Conclusion
China’s activities in the South China Sea have the potential to significantly alter the political and economic landscape of the region. Beijing has invested heavily in the region for both military and economic objectives, raising concerns for many countries in the region. However, it is important that all countries in the region work together to reach a peaceful resolution to the dispute and adhere to international law.
