Historical Tensions of the South China Sea
China has a long and turbulent history in the South China Sea. China claimed the South China Sea as part of its imperial domain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has continued to assert its sovereign rights in modern times. The Chinese government’s claims to the region span over 2000 years, making their position increasingly difficult for other countries to challenge.
The modern South China Sea disputes began in the 1970s with China’s unilateral declaration of sovereignty over more than 80% of the sea area. This has been met with international disapproval, and has resulted in the mass buildup of naval and military assets by the United States and its allies. The Chinese government has cited historical precedents to strengthen its claims to the area, such as the 17th century Ming Dynasty maps showing the majority of the South China Sea traversed by Chinese vessels.
China’s Interests in Controlling the South China Sea
China’s interests in controlling the South China Sea are numerous and varied. For starters, the area encompasses a potentially lucrative fishing industry; the naval forces present in the Sea give the country a significant level of control over the transportation of goods to and from its coastal areas.
The Chinese government has also devoted substantial resources to developing and exploiting the area’s abundant energy reserves. In part, these activities represent a strategy to diversify energy supply away from traditional sources such as oil and gas.
The strategic importance of the South China Sea is also paramount. From a military perspective, the area serves as a buffer zone between China and its potentially hostile neighbors, giving Beijing greater control over its eastern approaches. In addition, a militarized South China Sea gives Beijing greater ability to project its power throughout the region.
Impacts of China’s Policies in the South China Sea
China’s overwhelming presence in the South China Sea has had far-reaching consequences. Chinese policies have seriously deterred other countries from exploiting the South China Sea’s natural resources. For instance, American military exercises in the area were seriously curtailed between 2010 and 2015 in order to avoid any confrontations with Chinese forces.
It is estimated that China’s fishing fleets were catching fish up to 85 times faster than the annual maximum sustainable yield in the South China Sea. This overfishing has caused massive ecological damage, with the destruction of crucial habitats and the mass migration of fish stocks leaving the fish population in critical condition.
The militarization of the sea has also had economic impacts. A recent report from the Council on Foreign Relations indicates that a disruption of trade in the South China Sea would cost the United States alone up to $1 trillion annually.
International Legal Considerations
Several international bodies have weighed in on China’s activities in the South China Sea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague concluded that China had violated the rights of other states in the region and had unlawfully attempted to exploit the area’s resources.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) does not recognise China’s claims to maritime rights in the South China Sea, and China has refused to acknowledge the ruling. Despite strong international condemnation, China has refused to backtrack on its claims and has continued to expand its presence in the area.
Reactions and Responses
In response to China’s increasingly aggressive stance in the South China Sea, the United States, the European Union and other powers have strengthened their alliances in the region, both through increased military spending and diplomatic manoeuvring.
The United States has also taken steps to counter China’s militarization of the area. In 2018, the US Navy conducted a Freedom of Navigation Operation, sailing close to one of China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea, in a deliberate act of assertion and defiance. China has responded by increasing its naval presence, leading to a noticeable build-up of tensions in the area.
The Impact of China’s Position on the Global Arena
China’s claims in the South China Sea have caused much consternation and debate in international forums. The country’s refusal to adhere to international law has raised serious questions about the efficacy of the international system, with some arguing that China can no longer be trusted to adhere to global norms.
A number of critics have expressed doubts about the prospects for a negotiated outcome in the South China Sea, citing China’s unwillingness to compromise as a major obstacle. China’s position has also complicated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, with some suggesting that Beijing must soften its stance in order for a breakthrough to occur.
Analysis of China’s Motivations
At the heart of China’s dispute with other nations in the South China Sea is a desire for control. The Chinese government seeks to use the area as an effective buffer zone, protecting the country from potential military and economic threats. Similarly, Beijing wishes to utilize the area’s resources for its own gain, with huge potential rewards if it can capitalize on the region’s wealth.
At the same time, China has shown a willingness to exploit historical arguments and international law in order to strengthen its standing in the region. Beijing’s claims are rooted in a desire to keep others out, as well as an eagerness to dominate the South China Sea itself.
China’s Strategic Goals
Looking to the future, China’s ambitions in the South China Sea are vast. Beijing seeks regional dominance, and it is clear that the country views the area as a cornerstone in achieving this goal. The Chinese government has invested heavily in the development of the region, with vast sums of money used to construct a variety of military facilities and artificial islands.
These islands are used to project Chinese influence further into the region and serve as a platform for the projection of Chinese power. Ultimately, it seems that the Chinese government wishes not only to control the South China Sea, but to make it its own backyard.
Impacts of China’s Expanding Presence
The increasing size and scope of China’s presence in the South China Sea has had significant implications. The Chinese government has disregarded the interests of other nations and has acted unilaterally to pursue its own interests. This has resulted in a litany of grievances against the Chinese government, both in the region and beyond.
In addition, China’s actions have raised serious questions about its future intentions in the region. The country’s expansionary desires have led to fears of economic and military confrontation in the South China Sea, placing many countries in the region in a difficult position.
Proposals for Meeting the Challenge
Although the situation in the South China Sea is far from resolved, there are a number of proposals that can help mitigate the threat posed by China’s presence in the area. One possibility is a comprehensive diplomatic initiative to negotiate a peaceful solution to the dispute, as well as an agreement to restrain Chinese assertiveness.
Another option would be the establishment of a regional force or security system in which all countries in the region could participate. Such a force would serve to maintain stability in the South China Sea and ensure that all parties abide by international law. In the end, a successful outcome to the disputes in the South China Sea will require concerted efforts by all states to resolve the issue in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner.
