Background Information
China has become increasingly assertive in the South China Sea region. This major international waterway is home to vital sea lanes that connect Asia to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In recent years, China has laid claim to almost the entire waterway and has been building artificial islands, naval bases and fortifications in its attempt to exercise control over the region.
China’s territorial ambitions are not limited to the South China Sea. In areas such as the East China Sea and the Himalayas, it has also been taking a hardline stance. These confrontations have raised tensions with other countries in the region, particularly the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, who have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
Relevant Data
The South China Sea is an area of growing strategic importance. It has some of the world’s most significant shipping lanes, with almost 25 percent of global sea-borne trade passing through it, including the majority of China’s exports. In addition, it is estimated that around 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be located in its waters.
Due to its commercial and military importance, the South China Sea has been the subject of rival territorial claims from different countries. China’s claims are the largest and most powerful, and it has been accused of undermining the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which states that artificial islands do not grant a country any special rights or claims.
Experts Perspectives
International law experts point out that China’s claims are illegal and violate the international law of the sea. This is reinforced by the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration which, in 2016, rejected China’s claims in the South China Sea and stated that it was infringing on the rights of other states.
However, China has refused to recognize the ruling and has continued in its efforts to extend its control in the area. It has placed a military presence throughout the South China Sea and has declared an exclusion zone around the islands it controls. China has also been building airstrips and other structures on the islands to enhance its military presence in the area.
Insights and Analysis
By controlling the South China Sea, China is reinforcing its status as a major military and economic power in the region. It is taking advantage of the international arbitration process, which is seen as the only effective mechanism to resolve territorial disputes, while simultaneously pursuing its own agenda.
In the face of China’s growing assertiveness, other countries in the region lack the economic, diplomatic and military power to show resistance and are increasingly powerless to counter China’s actions. As a result, they have been forced to accept China’s dominance in the South China Sea, even if only temporarily.
Economic Impact
The South China Sea is of great economic importance and China’s actions have had a detrimental effect on regional economies, particularly countries like the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam. These countries rely heavily on fisheries, tourism and oil production from the South China Sea, but are now restricted to exploration and exploitation by Chinese authorities, or forced to share resources with China.
This has caused considerable economic losses for countries in the region, and is of great concern to countries with interests in the South China Sea, such as the United States, Japan and Australia.
Military Concerns
Aside from its economic impact, China’s build-up in the South China Sea also raises military concerns. China’s presence in the region has given it greater control over the flow of vessels and ships, as well as access to vital intelligence. Moreover, China is now capable of deploying its military in the region more rapidly, allowing it to respond to regional crises quickly and decisively.
At the same time, the presence of more nations has the potential to increase regional tensions and create instability in the South China Sea. Other countries are deeply suspicious of China’s actions and unwilling to accept its dominance in the region.
Military Countermeasures
In response to China’s growing presence in the South China Sea, other countries have been working together to strengthen their military forces and prepare for potential threats. The United States, for instance, is collaborating with Japan and Australia to develop a joint military presence in the South China Sea.
In addition, countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam are increasing their own military presence in the region, arming their vessels with ant-ship missiles and conducting joint naval exercises. This has resulted in a standoff between China and other countries in the region, and it remains to be seen if a conflict can be avoided.
Diplomatic Resolve
Despite the potential for conflict, many countries in the region are pushing for a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea. This has been demonstrated through recent diplomatic initiatives between China and other countries, such as the Code of Conduct Agreement, which seeks to reduce tensions in the area and promote cooperation.
Moreover, regional organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are working to promote diplomacy and stability in the South China Sea. The organization has been calling on China to respect freedom of navigation in the area and has proposed a roadmap for diplomatic talks to resolve the dispute.
International Support
At the international level, countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia and India are providing support to countries in the region. These countries have expressed their concern about China’s unilateral actions, have provided financial and military aid, and have conducted joint naval exercises to demonstrate their commitment to upholding international law and keeping the peace in the South China Sea.
At the same time, China has shown no signs of backing down. It is clear that the South China Sea dispute has become an issue of national pride and that China is determined to maintain its presence in the region. As a result, it is likely that the situation will remain tense and that a lasting solution remains a distant prospect.
