The South China Sea, encompassing important shipping lanes, abundant fish stocks, and potentially lucrative energy reserves, is an area of high geopolitical tension and interest. It is estimated that 1/3 of all global trade passes through the South China Sea, and its waters are also home to over 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. As a result of this, many countries are eager to secure their position in the South China Sea and gain access to the resources contained within. One such country is the United States (US).
The US involvement in the South China Sea dates back to the Cold War and the recognition of the strategic significance of the region’s resources. In recent years, the US has stepped up its presence in the South China Sea by increasing its naval patrols to ascertain its military superiority and secure the coordination and control of the area’s resources. In addition, the US has opposed any unilateral moves by China to establish an air defense identification zone over parts of the South China Sea, and has sought to counter the island building activities of other states behind the scenes.
The US involvement in the South China Sea is also driven by its commitment to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight, which has been repeatedly cited by American officials. This commitment is derived from the belief that such freedom is essential to the operations and security of US naval vessels, aircraft, and other commercial vessels operating in the region. Moreover, the US has grown increasingly vocal, both in the United Nations and bilaterally, in defending its views on the rights afforded to countries in the South China Sea. It has recently announced a two-year funding package of $425 million to support stability and maritime security initiatives in the South China Sea.
From the American perspective, its involvement in the South China Sea is closely tailored to the US’s national interests. The US seeks to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the area, to protect its commercial interests, and to maintain a favorable balance of power in the region. At the same time, it has sought to discourage any excessive Chinese claims over the waters and has tried to maintain the status quo in the South China Sea.
It is evident that the US’s involvement in the South China Sea has provoked strong reactions from regional countries and other great powers. China, in particular, has reacted negatively to US policies in the area and has accused the US of provoking provocations and escalating tensions. On the other hand, some countries view the US presence as a stabilizing factor and appropriate counterweight to the expanding Chinese presence in the South China Sea.
China’s Response To US Participation In The South China Sea
Historically, China has firmly objected to US involvement in the South China Sea. In recent times, China has become increasingly assertive in claiming sovereignty over the disputed areas of the South China Sea and is keen to exercise full control over the area. In response to US naval practices, China has taken more decisive military steps to gain control of the region and has rejected US calls to establish mutual rules of engagement.
The increase in Chinese military presence in the South China Sea is accompanied by the establishment of multiple military and naval bases in the area. These activities have heightened tensions and Chinas’s growing presence has further emboldened its attitude towards the US. China has also called on the US to stop its ‘provocative acts’ and to respect China’s indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea.
Given China’s stance and its close proximity to the US in the South China Sea, it is necessary for the US to exercise caution and cooperative behavior so as to avert the risk of misunderstanding or possible conflict. While both sides have sought to downplay the potential for conflict, the risks have certainly increased with the increased US presence in the region.
The Potential For Conflict
Given the rising tensions and the increasing presence of China and the US in the South China Sea, the potential for conflict is a very real possibility. As China is feeling increasingly challenged by US opposition in the region, it is likely to take measures to protect its interests in the South China Sea. In turn, the US is expected to take a more proactive stance in countering the Chinese presence.
At the heart of the dispute is the pressing question of whether the US’s continued presence in the South China Sea is counter-productive or beneficial. Though the US has maintained that its involvement is geared towards upholding global norms and respecting freedom of navigation and overflight, China views it as an encroachment on its sovereignty and a possible threat to its interests in the region.
Theoretically, the US presence and its diplomatic engagement could provide an impetus for regional states to find a peaceful solution to the South China Sea dispute. From this perspective, the US has an important role to play in maintaining regional peace and stability by guarding against an escalation of tension and responding to Chinese military tactics.
The Role of the Regional States
In the midst of this heightened tension, the regional states have a critical role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. As the states are directly affected by the presence of both China and the US, they must take active steps to engage constructively and restrain themselves from escalating the tensions further. As such, regional states should pursue cooperative efforts to manage their disputes and develop jointly negotiated regional security measures.
In this regard, the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling could serve as a possible way forward. Though neither China nor the US is a party to the arbitration, both countries have strongly expressed their views about it and have, in their own ways, responded to it. While the US says the ruling should be respected and uphold, China has dismissed it and reaffirmed its claims over the South China Sea. This disparity in responses to the ruling is indicative of the need for further dialogue and collaborative efforts to resolve the dispute.
Ultimately, the presence of the US and its diplomatic engagement in the South China Sea play an important role in sustaining peace and stability in the region. Though the situation is already precarious, cooperation and collaborative efforts between the relevant countries could help to mitigate the risk of any future conflict. As such, the role of the US in the South China Sea should not be understated and hopefully, it will play an important role in preserving peace in the region.
The Need For A Mutual Agreement
Maintaining a peaceful resolution in the South China Sea calls for the further engagement of both China and the US. Currently, neither country has clearly articulated what it believes is an acceptable resolution to the disputes in the region. This is an important marker, as a mutual agreement between China and the US on the resolution of the South China Sea would open up the possibility of regional cooperation moving forward.
This agreement would surely involve mutual concessions and compromise on both sides. Most importantly, it would require both parties to set aside their strategic interests and recognize the interests of the states in the region. Furthermore, the agreement between China and the US should also take into account the views of the other regional states, as well as the views of the Filipino people.
Overall, the presence of the US in the South China Sea is an important factor that must be taken into account when considering the resolution of the disputes. Though negotiations between China and the US would be difficult, an agreement that seeks to acknowledge the rights and interests of all regional states could serve as a major step forward in preserving peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The Economic Benefits of a Mutually Agreed Upon Resolution
The South China Sea has huge economic potential. If a mutually agreed upon resolution between China and the US is achieved, it could open the doors to economic cooperation and development among the countries in the region. This cooperation could lead to the improvement of infrastructure, improved access to markets, and the development of joint energy projects, among others.
Furthermore, a resolution would also bolster the security of the region. By recognizing the rights of all nations, it would reduce tensions and allow for confidence building measures and increased communication among the states. This in turn could lead to increased stability in the South China Sea, and an overall decrease in the risk of conflict.
Furthermore, such a resolution would encourage more active partnerships between China and the US. It would create an environment of trust, allowing for joint initiatives and the mutual exchange of ideas and resources. This could, in turn, improve the conditions for navigation, shipping, and aviation in the South China Sea, as well as provide access to more places for potential investors and tourists.
On a broader level, a mutually agreed upon resolution of the South China Sea would also pave the way for improved economic and political ties between China and the US. In the end, this could result in improved bilateral relations and the promotion of long-term economic growth and stability in the region.
Conclusion
The South China Sea is a highly strategic and volatile region with a broad range of interests at stake. The presence of the US in the area has further increased tensions and is deeply intertwined with the disputes over the sovereignty of particular features. Despite this, it is in the mutual interests of China and the US to seek to resolve the issues in the region, and to develop a more productive and cooperative relationship.
A mutually agreed upon resolution between China and the US would not only promote regional stability, but could also lead to increased economic opportunities and improved bilateral relations. As such, the US’s involvement in the South China Sea should be geared towards facilitating dialogue and encouraging peaceful resolutions. This is the surest path to a lasting peace in the region.
