Early Exploration in the South China Sea
The South China Sea is one of the most important bodies of water in the world. It is surrounded by several nations, encompassing China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. It is a strategic waterway of immense global economic importance, and is believed to hold vast stores of oil and gas. But, who named the South China Sea?
The South China Sea has a long and varied history of exploration. The first recorded voyage was taken by a Chinese admiral in the early 15th century, and Portuguese navigators travelled through it in the 16th century. Many other seafarers traversed its waters in the centuries since then, including traders, pirates, and military ships.
The origin of the name ‘South China Sea’ is unclear. It could have its beginnings in the phrase ‘Nan Hai’, which first appeared in records from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is believed that this Chinese name referred to the body of water which is currently known as the South China Sea. However, its exact origin remains contested to this day. It is also possible that the name was adopted from international traders and seafarers who traversed the waters in centuries past.
Experts believe that the name South China Sea was adopted from European navigators of the 16th century. At this time, ‘South China Sea’ were two common words used to refer to the vast body of water in the East. This was noted in the book ‘A New General Collection of Voyages and Travels published in 1793, which summarised the journeys of various navigators and travellers in the region.
The South China Sea has also been referred to as a variety of other names. In records from the Ming Dynasty, it was known as the ‘Eastern Sea’; while in 16th century Portuguese and Spanish documents, it was known as the ‘Mar del Sur’. In the 18th century, Dutch and English maps names it the ‘China Sea’ and ‘South Seas’ respectively.
Current Disputes in the South China Sea
Despite its long history of exploration, the South China Sea still remains contested. Over the past decades, multiple nations have laid claims to parts of the sea and its resources. To this day, several disputes remain, mainly concerning islands and reefs in the South China Sea.
Nations who have laid claims in the sea include China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These nations have long held conflicting views, and small-scale clashes have taken place throughout the years. For example, in 1995, a brief skirmish between China and the Philippines occurred when China attempted to establish a garrison on one of the disputed islands.
Multiple international organisations have attempted to resolve the disputes in the region. The most notable is the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague, Netherlands. This entity has attempted to broker agreements between the disputing nations, often to no avail. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has also been formed, though progress has been slow in resolving issues in the South China Sea.
Various experts have expressed views on the matter. One of these is Mira Rapp-Hooper, who holds the position of Director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Rapp-Hooper believes that all competing countries should respect international law and resolve the disputes in a diplomatic manner. She further argues that all claimants’ actions should be guided by logic, rather than emotion, and advocate compromise as a path forward.
Critics of the disputes argue that all claims should be governed by established international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Such views have been espoused by the United Nations, US government officials, and the general public. They argue that all disputes should be resolved through diplomacy, rather than physical force, and that all nations involved should respect and adhere to international law.
Economic Interests in the South China Sea
The South China Sea also has immense global economic importance. In 2016, it is estimated that China, the main claimant of the region, had a gross domestic product (GDP) of around USD 48.5 trillion. It is estimated that around half of the world’s merchant fleet navigates this body of water each year, and its maritime trade amounts to USD 5 trillion.
The sea is also believed to contain vast stores of oil and gas, which are thought to be worth around USD 7.5 trillion. Such reserves could provide a major economic boost for countries in the region, and have thus been a source of significant strategic competition between China and other claimants.
Experts have expressed their views on the matter. For example, Jonathan Liberty, a professor at the Naval War College, argues that a peaceful resolution of the disputes is essential in securing the economic benefits of the region. He believes that China’s current strategy of using economic power to influence its smaller neighbours is unsustainable in the long-term, and is detrimental to the region’s economic prospects.
Other analysts have expressed similar views. Some have compared the South China Sea to the East China Sea, which has been much more peaceful, and argue that political and economic incentives should be used to ensure peaceful cooperation among claimants. They point to the ‘East China Sea Peace Initiative’, which encourages all claimants to resolve their disputes diplomatically, as a step in the right direction.
The South China Sea is of immense international importance for another reason: freedom of navigation. This is because many major international trade routes pass through it, with the waters deemed safe and secure by international law.
China has repeatedly challenged this freedom of navigation, often to the ire of other nations. China has built several artificial islands in the sea, which have been criticised by the US and other countries as a violation of international maritime law. US Navy ships have also entered the waters several times, in an attempt to assert the right to freedom of navigation.
China has publicly opposed such actions. Chinese officials have argued that the US Navy’s presence in the South China Sea is a violation of their sovereignty, and have defended their actions as necessary to protect their territorial integrity.
Experts have expressed their views on the matter. For example, Bonnie Glaser, the director of the Sinensis Project at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, believes that the US needs to employ a tougher multi-lateral approach to these disputes. She advocates for a cooperative approach that includes cooperation from China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and other major players.
Others argue for a more cautious approach. They caution against a premature Nato-style military action, which could inflame tensions in the region and precipitate a full-scale military conflict. Instead, they advocate for a diplomatic approach that encourages cooperation and dialogue between both sides.
The Consequences of Chinese Aggression
If China continues its current course of action, experts believe that it will likely face consequences. Diplomatic repercussions are likely, as other countries in the region may respond in kind to Chinese actions. This could lead to further diplomatic isolation and mistrust between China and its ASEAN neighbours.
There may also be economic repercussions. In particular, China may face US economic sanctions, as well as penalties from other nations. There have already been some attempts to impose economic sanctions on China in response to its actions in the South China Sea, though the US has generally refrained from doing so.
On the military side, experts believe that China will likely face a more sustained US presence in the region. The US has already increased its military presence in the South China Sea, and further deployments may be expected if Chinese aggression persists.
Analysts also predict that other countries in the region, particularly those with strong regional ties, may also increase their military presence. The Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and India have all signalled a willingness to increase their presence in the region to discourage further Chinese aggression.
Global Support for ASEAN Nations
Finally, experts believe that India and China will likely be the focus of most actions in the region. Many nations around the world have expressed their support for India and China, and there is a broad consensus that all Chinese claims in the South China Sea should be treated according to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
ASEAN nations have also received international support. Nations such as the US, Japan, and India have pledged their support for the peaceful, diplomatic settlement of disputes. They have also launched joint diplomatic and military exercises in the region, in order to signal their commitment to freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of claims in the South China Sea.
The international community is also expected to take a more active role in the resolution of disputes. For example, the US recently offered to mediate negotiations between the countries involved, and proposed a multilateral framework for dispute resolution.
While the future of the South China Sea remains unclear, there is broad international consensus that any disputes should be resolved in accordance with international law. All parties involved have an obligation to ensure that the disputes do not escalate further, and that the conflict is resolved in a peaceful, diplomatic manner.
Growing Pressure on China
Experts also point to a growing pressure on China to shift its stance in the region. This pressure has been building as more countries around the world express their support for an agreement based on international law.
The US is particularly vocal in its criticisms of Chinese aggression, and has ratcheted up its rhetoric in recent months. For example, US National Security Adviser John Bolton recently declared that the US should no longer tolerate China’s ‘bullying of its neighbours’. He argued for the adoption of tougher measures against China, in order to bring about a peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.
Other countries have also increased their pressure on China. Countries such as Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and India have urged China to respect international law and recognise their claims in the South China Sea. These countries have also taken steps to cooperate militarily and diplomatically, in order to counter-balance China’s increasing assertiveness.
China’s Defence of its Position
Despite the growing pressure, China has remained staunch in its defence of its position. Chinese officials have repeatedly argued that their actions are in defence of their territorial integrity, and are within the bounds of international law.
They point to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which recognises the principle of a nation’s exclusive economic zone, as well as its legal responsibilities to protect its own maritime interests. They also argue that all disputes should be resolved through dialogue, rather than military force.
Chinese experts have also expressed their views. For example, Zhang Haiwen, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, has argued that all sides should adopt a ‘holistic approach’ to the disputes in the South China Sea. He advocates a compromise between all disputing countries, as well as a constructive dialogue that could lead to a reconciliation between China and its other Asian neighbours.
International Co-operation in the South China Sea
Experts point to the increasing international cooperation in the region as a possible way forward. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently declared their commitment to regional peace and stability. This was followed by a joint statement from the 10 ASEAN nations, calling for a diplomatic resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.
The US has also played an increasing role in the region. The US Navy has held joint exercises with countries in the region and has committed to increasing its presence in the South China Sea. The US has also sought to build alliances with countries in the region, such as Japan and the Philippines.
China has responded by encouraging international cooperation in the region. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a ‘peaceful resolution’ of disputes, and has offered to hold talks with
