Rich in Resources
The South China Sea is known for its abundance of aquatic life, providing an important source of sustenance to the region’s inhabitants. It is also home to an estimated 10 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which are believed to be close to becoming commercially viable. With these natural resources potentially waiting to be found, it is no surprise that countries in the region have been attempting to assert their claims over different areas within the sea.
Fragmented Sovereignty
The disputes over the South China Sea can be attributed to criticism of competing claims to the waters. All the claimants have their own picture of the ‘rules of the game’ and the countries involved have been embroiled in a long and heated battle to determine which of their claims are superior. The political wrangling reached its climax in July 2016, when a Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China has no lawful or historical basis for its claims to the resources in the South China Sea.
Environmental Consequences
The unprecedented exploitation of resources in the sea has brought with it immense damage to the marine environment. This has especially been felt more in coastal areas of the Philippines, where the local ecosystem has been subjected to overfishing and severe pollution levels. This has had a devastating effect on the local marine life, leading to a decline in the population of fish, clams and crabs. Moreover, the vast array of coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and other areas of important biodiversity are all at risk of destruction, largely due to backhoes used for land reclamation activities in the disputed areas.
Political Ramifications
The disputes between the countries of the South China Sea have had significant political implications for the region and beyond. In particular, the United States has taken a strong stance against China over their aggressive posturing in the sea, accusing the Asian nation of overstepping the bounds of international law with their expansive maritime claims. US-China relations have been strained due to the perceived militarization of the South China Sea and instability in the region has resulted in rising tensions between the two countries.
Business Disruption
The South China Sea also serves as a vital trading route for international maritime traffic, particularly cargo ships. Unfortunately, due to the disputes, ships have been barred from accessing certain areas, which has disrupted interstate commerce. This has not only inhibited the free flow of trade, but has also adversely affected the local fishing and tourism industries, as incomes have declined and access to certain areas has been restricted.
Security Ramifications
That being said, the South China Sea has also served as a conduit for regional security cooperation, facilitating joint naval training exercises, intelligence sharing, and counter-piracy operations. With so much at stake, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other countries in the region have sought to prevent further tensions from escalating by agreeing to a code of conduct for the sea. By doing so, all parties involved hope to build trust and protect the security of all nations affected.
Towards Resolution
Given the complexity of the situation, it is clear that the sea’s status remains uncertain for the foreseeable future. However, recent initiatives by all the involved parties have shown promise and, if compromise is reached, a long-term solution may be possible. This could bring stability and peace to the region, while aiding the development of sustainable economic activities.
The Regional Response
The littoral countries of the South China Sea have all contributed to the discussion and intervened to try to establish shared frameworks for managing the waters, including the South China Sea Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct was adopted in 2017, and outlines a number of measures designed to increase cooperation and understanding between the countries involved. For example, the code encourages dialogue among the parties and emphasizes the need to resolve disputes peacefully, through negotiations and consultations.
China’s Influence
As the dominant power in the South China Sea, China has also been proactive in advocating for greater regional cooperation and stability. The country continues to prioritize the safety and security of the waters, and has undertaken several initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships with other countries in the region. This includes inviting other nations to joint military exercises, economic projects, and scientific activities.
Regional Economic Implications
The economic implications of the South China Sea conflict are far-reaching. The sea supports a wide array of economic activities, such as overfishing, oil and gas exploration and production, transportation, tourism, and shipbuilding. If the right balance can be struck between security and free trade, the effects of the dispute will be mitigated and regional economies will receive a much needed boost.
Pathway to Progress
While the disputes may not be resolved in the immediate future, the adoption of the Code of Conduct is a hopeful sign that the countries of the South China Sea can find a way to put their differences aside and work together for the common good. Ultimately, the South China Sea represents an opportunity to make meaningful progress, both economically and politically. It is in the vested interest of all parties involved to promote stability and pave the path for constructive dialogue and meaningful collaboration.
