The South China Sea has been among the most contentious areas in the Asia-Pacific. It is not only of immense geopolitical significance but is also one of the world’s richest fishing areas, holds significant oil and minerals beneath its surface, and the waters are used by an estimated 20,000 ships each day. With all of these resources and interests at stake, many nations have been quick to begin claiming and occupying different parts of the sea.
Among the most vocal in terms of their claims is China, who have staked multiple large claims over the entirety of the South China Sea. To understand why China is asserting such large claims over the body of water, one needs to look at some of the underlying geo-economic forces that are driving the country’s interest.
China, who was already a rising economic powerhouse in the region, began to accelerate their economic development in the late 1990s when the World Bank and IMF began liberalizing certain aspects of their markets. This caused unprecedented growth and investment in China, which enabled the Chinese government to expand its investments and activities in the South China Sea region and in turn, begin claiming parts of it.
Why is the South China Sea so important to China? While the region is extremely rich in resources, the primary reason is due to the immense amount of strategic and geopolitical importance that it holds. This area is not only geographically important, but is also hugely important for China’s access to vital shipping routes and trading partners that are essential for the country’s economy. As a result, it is not difficult to understand why China is escalating its claims and activity in the region.
From an international policy and law perspective, however, China’s claims have been heavily criticized by many countries, including the United States. They have argued that the ‘nine-dash line’ that China uses to delineate its claims is in violation of UNCLOS (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) which states that no nation can claim an exclusive economic zone that extends more than 200 nautical miles from their coastline. Additionally, the Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia have all contested China’s claims in the South China Sea.
When probing into the matter further, however, it becomes clear that while China’s claims are in violation of international law, it is also true that the Chinese government has taken steps towards dialogues and negotiations with other nations in the region. It is possible that the aggressive Chinese policies are merely a bargaining tactic to increase their leverage in the region and ultimately, bring their claims closer to international norms.
What Have Been Some of China’s Efforts so Far?
China has been actively pursuing its claims in the South China Sea and has taken several steps towards that end. It has built artificial islands in the contested waters, deployed military assets and constructed a web of listening stations to observe and monitor activity in the sea to protect its interests. Additionally, China has increased its naval presence in the area and has even gone as far as to establish a “Security Zone” in the region, much to the dismay of its regional neighbors.
The Chinese government has also taken a proactive role in trying to peacefully resolve the disputes in the region. In 2016, China initiated negotiations between the members of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and established a legally binding framework to help settle differences between the countries. Additionally, China has re-asserted its commitment to peaceful resolutions to the dispute, much to the relief of many in the region.
What Is the Role of International Law on This Issue?
As mentioned previously, the United Nation’s Law of the Sea convention forms the basis of all the disputes in the South China Sea. Under the convention, all nations are entitled to a 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), however any disputes that arise due to overlapping EEZs must be settled within the framework of the law and with the use of international arbitration such as the PCA (Permanent Court of Arbitration). For China, the PCA’s legal decision regarding their claims in the South China Sea is a final one, however the Chinese government has continuously rejected the verdict, calling it an “illegal award”.
As a result, many in the region have criticized China for “flouting international law” and for ignoring the PCA’s verdict. While this may be the case, it is important to note that the PCA’s decision is not binding on the Chinese government and thus, China has the right to reject the outcome.
What Does the Future Hold?
The future of the South China Sea is clouded by uncertainty. On one hand, the Chinese government has reinforced its commitment to peaceful negotiations and has promised to abide by international law in the resolution of any disputes. On the other hand, its aggressive policies have caused alarm and tension in the region, with several countries taking measures against China’s claims.
It is clear then that diplomatic efforts are needed to bring the region back to stability. Moreover, it is essential that the claims of each nation in the region are addressed in accordance with international law. While the Chinese government may be against the PCA’s rulings, it is clear that their respect of international law is a critical component to finding a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea dispute.
The Impact of Changing Climate on South China Sea
In addition to the geopolitical tensions surrounding the South China Sea, there is also the threat of climate change that must be addressed. This threat has been felt in the South China Sea for years, primarily in the form of rising sea levels, increased temperatures, and more frequent and intense tropical storms. This has caused an array of problems for the ecosystems in the region, from coral bleaching and destruction of fishing grounds, to mass migration of species.
From a human perspective, the impacts of climate change in the South China Sea are also numerous. Marine transportation, fisheries, and coastal communities are all adversely affected due to the impact of climate change, as are the cultures and lifestyles of those that rely on the area for sustenance. As a result, it is essential that a discussion of climate change is included in any conversations surrounding the South China Sea.
At the end of the day, the South China Sea dispute is not just a geopolitical matter – but is a deeply environmental one as well. As temperatures rise, sea levels continue to rise, and the threat of climate change looms, it is essential that we continue to take action to protect the ecosystems and communities of the region. This is why a number of countries and international organisations have also undertaken initiatives to help increase the resilience of the region to the impacts of climate change and to ensure that the South China Sea continues to remain habitable for years to come.
The Impact of China’s Claims on Other Countries
The large claims that China is making over the South China Sea are not only causing disputes between China and its smaller neighbouring countries, but are also impinging on the national interests of larger states like the United States and Japan. As the world’s largest economy, China’s claims in the region could potentially impede the ability of the US and its allies to access the region and its resources. Moreover, the US has also argued that China’s activities in the region are violating international laws and infringing on the rights of its allies.
In response to China’s claims in the region, the US has taken a hard line stance, deploying warships to the region as a signal to China that it will defend its interests and those of its allies. This signal of readiness has further escalated the tensions in the region and has left many nations worried about the future of the South China Sea.
The larger states involved in the dispute are also taking diplomatic measures in an effort to convince China to restrain its claims in the South China Sea. The United States, Japan, Australia, and several European nations have imposed economic sanctions against China and have also engaged in diplomatic dialogue in an effort to find a resolution to the dispute. It remains to be seen, however, if these measures will be effective in convincing China to show some restraint in their claims in the region.
How the Region Can Move Forward?
Although there are a number of issues that need to be resolved to bring stability to the South China Sea region, it is clear that the first step must be an increase in dialogue and understanding between the countries in the area. Only through meaningful conversations and diplomacy can the nations in the region come to a peaceful resolution to the current dispute, and only through mutual respect and understanding can peace and stability be maintained in the region for the foreseeable future.
It is also essential for all of the parties in the dispute to understand the consequences of their actions and to take those consequences into account when formulating policies. This means that China needs to take into account the international law when formulating its claims, and the other nations in the region need to recognize that China has legitimate security and economic interests in the region as well.
Finally, it is essential that the parties involved in the dispute be willing to compromise and find a resolution that is acceptable to all sides. This is no easy task, however, it is the only way forward if the South China Sea is to become an area of peaceful coexistence, rather than one of contention and conflict.
