Historical Significance of the South China Sea
The South China Sea has long been an area of contention among different nations.China began claiming the region in the 1940s, when Mao Zedong proclaimed it to be an integral part of China’s sovereignty, ignoring the sovereignty of the surrounding states. At the same time, the Republic of China, now known as Taiwan, also declared their claim over the area which further complicated the situation. Since then, China has been consistently asserting their claim over the region.
The South China Sea is a vast and important region for many nations as it contains significant deposits of oil and natural gas, vast amounts of fish, and valuable trade routes. It is home to a variety of species, some of which are endangered, and is also known to contain vast coral reefs and shipwrecks, making it highly sought after to many nations.
Despite the economic and environmental importance of the region, the focus of China’s claim rests mainly on its historical significance. For example, in their 2009 Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone, China includes a nine dotted line map as a demarcation of its sovereignty, claiming that it is based on both ancient and modern history. Specifically, they cite the historical records of the dynastic and imperial governments of China in their claim.
International Law and the South China Sea
The international disputes over the South China Sea are mainly focused around the question of which state has the right to claim sovereignty over the region. This issue is complicated by the conflicting claims of different countries in the region and the lack of a clear legal basis for any of these claims.
In 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLoS) was signed, which set forth a set of internationally accepted rules for the usage of the world’s oceans and seas. Under this convention, countries have a ‘continental shelf’ which gives them exclusive rights over the resources of the seas within that area. However, this is only applicable for coastal states that have a ‘natural prolongation of their landmass’, which is an area of dispute in the South China Sea. The rules set forth by UNCLoS are applied by most countries in the area, with the exception of China.
China has instead made clear their intentions to assert their historical claims over the South China Sea, ignoring the more modern ideas of international law. This has caused tension amongst states in the surrounding region as it appears to deny them their right to their own resources. As a result, there has been an increase in military activity in the region in recent years and an uptick in diplomatic efforts to resolve its disputes.
Chinese Activity in the South China Sea
As a result of their claims, China has undertaken a number of initiatives in the South China Sea that are aimed at reinforcing their claim. These initiatives have included the establishment of artificial islands in the region, the construction of military bases, and the enforcement of strict laws on vessels entering their controlled area.
These activities have been heavily criticised by both the international community and the surrounding states. The international community has questioned China’s disregard for international law and the potential implications of their activities on the sovereignty of other countries. Meanwhile, the surrounding countries, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, have raised alarm over the potential militarisation of the region and the potential of further imbalances of power.
China has been undeterred in the face of this criticism, however, and appears intent on continuing their activities in the South China Sea. This stance has been met with frustration by regional states and other international actors.
Regional Reactions to China’s Activities
The regional states have taken a range of different approaches to dealing with China’s activities in the South China Sea. Some have adopted diplomatic approaches, appealing to China to negotiate a resolution, while others have taken a more confrontational stance, clashing with Chinese vessels in disputed areas.
In addition, a number of regional states have recently agreed to work together in order to ensure their rights in the South China Sea are respected. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other regional bodies have highlighted their commitment to peace and stability in the region in their joint statements and have sought to negotiate a solution that would benefit all parties.
However, these initiatives have been met with scepticism by some in the international community. China has been consistent in their refusal to comply with international law when it comes to the South China Sea and it remains to be seen how effective these regional initiatives will be in resolving the region’s disputes.
Implications of Chinese Claims on the South China Sea
Regardless of the outcome of the various disputes in the South China Sea, there are some clear implications that can be drawn from China’s actions. These include an increased militarisation of the area, the threat to the sovereignty of the surrounding states, and the potential for economic disruption in the region.
The militarisation of the South China Sea risks further undermining the security of the region. The presence of military forces from multiple countries indicates a lack of trust between nations, making it highly unlikely that any sort of meaningful negotiations will take place. This could lead to further instability and potential conflicts between states.
In addition, the potential disruption of trade in the South China Sea places the region at risk of economic loss. This is especially true for the surrounding countries that rely heavily on the trade routes in the region. Any disruption could have major implications for the economies of these states and the welfare of their citizens.
The Way Forward
It is clear that unless a peaceful resolution can be found, the situation in the South China Sea will continue to deteriorate and further exacerbate regional tensions. Therefore, it is essential that all parties involved take concrete steps to find a peaceful resolution to this dispute.
Firstly, it is important that China is willing to engage in meaningful negotiations with regional states in order to resolve the dispute. This would go some way towards achieving a resolution that takes into account the interests of all parties. In addition, further diplomatic efforts by regional states and international actors should be encouraged.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the implementation of international law should be prioritised in order to ensure that all countries in the region are able to exercise their rights over their maritime claims. This includes respect for the sovereignty of other countries and adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
International Implications of the South China Sea Dispute
The stakes of this dispute are not limited to the countries in the immediate region. There are also implications to be drawn from the dispute at the international level. For example, the potential militarisation of the South China Sea has led to an increased security risk for the United States and its allies who operate in the region.
The region is also home to some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and the majority of the world’s electronic devices and raw materials pass through the South China Sea. A disruption of these shipments could have far reaching economic consequences for many countries around the world.
In addition, the increasing tensions in the region have the potential to further destabilise the global order and the strategic alliances between countries. This could lead to the emergence of new power blocs and the potential for further global conflict.
Conclusion
When taken as a whole, it is clear that China’s claims to the South China Sea have far reaching implications, not only for states in the immediate region, but also for the global order. It is therefore essential that a peaceful resolution is found that takes into account the interests of all parties and respects the sovereignty of countries in the region.
