Power Play
China’s control of the South China Sea is one of the major international disputes of our time and has been a long-standing source of tension between claimants to its many resources. In recent years, vast amounts of money and commitment have been invested by Beijing to strengthen its hold over the South China Sea, in pursuit of a unified and consistent narrative: that of Chinese nationalism and dominance in this critical stretch of the Pacific.
Disputed territories in the South China Sea region include areas claimed by China, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. Each country jostles for control over these waters, particularly within their exclusive economic zones, according to claims established in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Philippines has taken China to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in The Hague for violating the sovereign rights of its citizens. China claims historic rights to the South China Sea, citing maps and other evidence that could lead to its eventual victory in the court of international law. Beijing also regards the South China Sea as its focus of development, militarization and geopolitical power projection.
China’s increased military presence in the region and its deployment of numerous vessels and submarines to key outcrops has raised security concerns in Southeast Asia. The Chinese government is also accused of ignoring protests from the likes of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other external organizations that want to know more about China’s actual intentions.
China is also aware of the substantial economic benefits of controlling the South China Sea. The sea bed is estimated to possess large deposits of oil and natural gas. It is also amongst the world’s greatest untapped sources of fisheries. A successful monopoly over the South China Sea would greatly improve China’s influence in trade negotiations, by providing it access to vital trade routes and ensuring its shipping lanes remain open and safe.
As a first step towards full control, China conducted a reclamation process to create artificial islands throughout the South China Sea. Through this, China has forced neighboring nations to adhere to their territorial claims with more stringent proof, while also leveraging military operations to further assert their sovereignty.
The South China Sea is a strategic lifeline to many countries who fish and transport resources and other goods through it. However, it has become a platform for China’s wider ambitions in the region. In essence, the nation desires to be a powerful presence in the region and ensure that its strategic interests remain abundant, giving it a significant role in global affairs.
Waters of Conflict
The South China Sea is an essential maritime hub in the global economy. China and its neighbors are engaged in a flourishing trade relationship with other countries through such a trading lane, and the sea is of immense strategic importance due to the presence of several vital naval ports. As such, control over the region is necessary for military strategy.
In recent years, China has been consolidating its presence in the region and asserting its control in various ways. For instance, it has established naval outposts in waters near the coast of nations with which it has a dispute. China has also pressed ahead with development projects, creating artificial islands in the region and increasing militarization of these islands and outposts.
Beijing has been able to manipulate its political and diplomatic influence in the region. It has obstructed negotiations and inflamed tensions to serve its own interests. In addition, it has managed to gain a glimmer of legitimacy for its actions in the South China Sea by promoting its narrative of sovereignty to the international community. The United States has also considerably aided this process through its ambiguous statements about the region.
China’s activities have raised concerns, particularly among regional countries and international bodies. Several countries have expressed fears that, by controlling the South China Sea, Beijing will become a more powerful force in the region and a more significant player in international affairs, with potentially disastrous consequences.
These concerns are not unfounded, as evidence suggests that the Chinese are slowly gaining an upper hand in the dispute. Besides claims and presence, Beijing already has gained substantial control over the Straits of Malacca and parts of the South China Sea. Furthermore, it has promised very large bank loans to countries with disputes over the South China Sea, offering economic incentives to potentially get involved in negotiations.
The Role of International Organizations
International organizations have been heavily engaged in the conflict in the South China Sea. ASEAN has worked hard to maintain peace and stability in the region, by encouraging negotiations and conducting diplomatic visits, conferences and other diplomatic events. Several countries have also lent their support. The United States, Japan, Australia and India have also voiced their concerns and offered support.
ASEAN has also attempted to mediate between states, but has had limited success due to the disparate views of the countries involved in the negotiations. As such, the organization has considered other mediation options. It has proposed an international code of conduct to regulate activity in the South China Sea region and ensure that any disputes are settled in accordance with international law.
Other international organizations have also sought to intervene in the conflict. The United Nations, the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea have all expressed concern at Chinese aggression in the region and have called on the country to modify its approach in the area.
Despite these efforts, however, the situation in the South China Sea remains highly complex and volatile. China’s intention to dominate the region remains strong, and disputes over the resources in the region continue to plague the world’s major powers.
Power Plays and Sovereignty Disputes
The tension between China and its neighbors in the South China Sea has resulted from the broad range of geopolitical power plays, especially those related to water sovereignty dispute. China desires a degree of control over the South China Sea that exceeds that of its neighbors, as a result of its expansive sovereignty claims.
The nation’s quest for control was further bolstered by the adoption of the ‘Nine-Dash Line’, whereby China asserts internal jurisdiction over many of the waters and islands in the South China Sea. This has put Beijing in contention with other claimants, particularly those nations that have maritime interests in the region.
China is well-equipped to maintain its position in the South China Sea. It has been levering economic, military and political power, in order to sway the international community in its favor and gain control over the area. It has invested heavily in military and territorial capabilities, while also utilizing its diplomatic connections to emphasize its presence and dominance.
China’s power play in the South China Sea has caused alarm amongst some Southeast Asian nations. These are countries that have previously benefited from uncontested access to the resources in the region. Their territorial claims in the region have been ignored, or worse, undermined by Beijing.
To address this problem, China and its affected neighbours have for years been conducting diplomatic negotiations to resolve the conflict. On paper, these talks have been relatively successful. In reality, however, these discussions have achieved little, especially when considering the increased militarization of China’s presence in the region.
Economic Interests
The conflict over the South China Sea is heavily influenced by the economic interests of the various claimants, including China. By dominating the region, China stands to gain significant economic advantages. In addition to access to vital trade routes, it could also gain control of oil and gas reserves, fisheries, and energy resources.
China’s economic interests have been the driving force behind its actions in the region. It has sought to build its power around these interests and has made compromises with other countries in the area in pursuit of the same goal. Beijing’s ambitions have been clear, a fact that has caused alarm amongst some of its neighbors.
The economic incentives have been a notable motivator for China. Beijing has invested heavily in trade deals, infrastructure projects and other activities to consolidate its power in the region, as well as boost its presence in the global economy.
Additionally, the Chinese government has taken steps to ensure that its presence in the region will be beneficial to the nation’s economic and military power. It has used various means to deter and dissuade others from intruding into its space, including the construction of artificial islands, the deployment of naval vessels, and the establishment of military bases.
Despite such aggressive measures, China regularly portrays itself as a peaceful nation in the South China Sea. It has even presented itself as a protector of the environment and has sought to distance itself from accusations of militarism and expansionism in the area.
Environmental Impacts
China’s presence in the South China Sea is causing environmental disruption. The nation is investing heavily in infrastructure and other activities, which have adversely affected marine ecosystems in the region.
Projects such as land reclamation and construction of artificial islands have caused irreparable damage to the fragile ecosystems in the area. These activities have disturbed coral reefs, impacted fish populations and interfered with other marine species. Additionally, they have caused ocean acidification, which has been linked to a decrease in the diversity of marine life.
The Chinese authorities have been accused of disregarding the environmental impacts of their activities in the region. This concern has been compounded by their failure to implement effective monitoring and control measures, as required by international regulations.
The effects of climate change have also been a major source of worry for the region’s nations. Rising sea levels, caused by melting glaciers, are a direct threat to the low-lying territories of countries like the Philippines and Vietnam.
China’s activities in the South China Sea have exacerbated the problem, as the nation has failed to follow international guidelines for the conservation of marine life. The nation has also been accused of obstructing efforts to reduce the effects of climate change in the area.
A Sea of Uncertainty
The future of the South China Sea remains in a state of flux. China is steadily increasing its foothold in the region, making its presence felt more and more each day. In the meantime, other nations are struggling to respond effectively, unable to keep up with the pace of Chinese advancement.
The current situation is further complicated by the many competing interests in the South China Sea. Nations are engaged in a tug of war to gain control of the region’s resources. In addition, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore and threaten to exacerbate the conflict in the area.
In the face of such complexity, the international community must take steps to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea. Effective dialogue and negotiation are the key to success in this regard, as is an increased focus on the environmental impacts of China’s actions and the need to protect the region’s fragile marine ecosystems and vulnerable communities.
Ultimately, it is up to the nations involved to come together and settle their disputes in a peaceful manner. Until then, the South China Sea will remain a source of contention and a potential flashpoint for international conflict.
