The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, covering an area of about 3.5 million square kilometres. It is bordered by several countries in East and Southeast Asia, such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines, each of which has competing claims over the sea and its resources. China’s big claims in the South China Sea, which cover not just the land but also the waters nearby, have made other countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei really upset. These other countries also say they own certain islands and parts of the sea, like the Paracels and the Spratlys.
To support its claims, China has been building islands and sending its navy around. The US says it doesn’t pick sides in these arguments, but it has been sending military ships and planes close to disputed islands to show that ships can freely move around there. Even though Japan doesn’t have direct interests in the South China Sea, it helps countries like Vietnam and the Philippines with ships and military stuff. People are worried that all this tension could lead to big problems globally, like a major conflict.
In this article, we will explore about the disputes in the South China Sea, about historical, legal, and geopolitical aspects of the South China Sea and the conflicts that arise from it.
Table of Content
- Background of Disputes in the South China Sea
- Important Details about the South China Sea
- Geography of South China Sea (SCS)
- Economic Importance of South China Sea (SCS)
- The South China Sea (SCS) – Countries, Islands and Island Chains
- Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea
- Role of India in Disputes in the South China Sea
- Efforts to Solve The Disputes in the South China Sea
- Summary – Disputes in the South China Sea
Background of Disputes in the South China Sea
China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, including its vast oil and gas reserves, have angered nearby countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Since the 1970s, these nations have laid claims to islands and areas in the sea, like the Spratly Islands, known for their abundant natural resources and fishing grounds. The inability of Chinese and Southeast Asian leaders to settle these disputes through diplomacy could weaken international maritime laws and lead to arms buildups, raising concerns about stability.
China argues that foreign militaries, according to international law, are not allowed to conduct activities like reconnaissance flights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). However, the United States asserts that under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), countries with claims in the sea have the right to freely navigate through EEZs without notifying claimants about military activities. In 2016, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines against China’s claims under UNCLOS, but China, despite being a signatory, rejects the court’s jurisdiction.
Recent satellite images reveal China’s efforts to expand landmasses in the South China Sea, either by enlarging existing islands or creating new ones. This includes building ports, military bases, and airstrips, especially in the Paracel and Spratly Islands, where China has established numerous outposts. Woody Island has been militarized with fighter jets, missiles, and radar systems.
The United States, having significant interests in maintaining freedom of navigation and securing sea routes, supports a binding code of conduct and other confidence-building measures. China’s claims pose a threat to these crucial sea routes, vital for trade and naval operations. To safeguard its interests, the US challenges China’s claims and conducts freedom of navigation operations while enhancing support for Southeast Asian partners. Its defense treaty with the Philippines could potentially involve the US in any conflict between China and the Philippines over disputed resources or fishing grounds.
Responding to China’s assertive stance, Japan has provided military assistance to the Philippines and Vietnam to bolster their maritime security capabilities and deter Chinese aggression.
Important Details about the South China Sea
The table given below shows important facts such as the location, area, significance, and organization of the South China Sea:
|
Aspects |
Related Information |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Western Pacific Ocean |
|
Area |
Approximately 3.5 million square kilometers |
|
Significance |
Major trade route, fishing ground, and full of so many natural reserves (Oil and Natural Gas) |
|
Islands |
The Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Scarborough Shoal, and so many reefs |
|
Maritime Claims |
Overlapped territorial claims based on –
|
|
UNCLOS Disputes |
Related to exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves |
|
Military Presence of China |
|
|
Regional Organizations |
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is an international organisation that involves in the discussions and conflict resolution processes |
Geography of South China Sea (SCS)
To understand the economic importance and the conflicts related to the South China Sea, we need to know the physical geography of it. Here are the details:
- It is a part of the Great Pacific Ocean (Specifically, Western Pacific Ocean).
- The South China Sea indicates the borders of Southeast Asia’s mainland.
- The SCS is bordered by so many Southeast Asian countries like Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
- The South China Sea is connected with the East China Sea by the Taiwan Strait.
- The Luzon Strait connects the SCS with the Philippine Sea.
- Three major islands are connected. They are the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, and Pratas Islands.
- Macclesfield’s Bank and Scarborough Shoal are the major economic regions of the South China Sea.
Economic Importance of South China Sea (SCS)
Now we are going to discuss about the economic importance of the South China Sea (SCS) in details:
- The South China Sea covers around 3.5 million square kilometres which is strategically important as a geopolitical and geoeconomic centre in the World.
- It is an economic region that is considered the busiest shipping route in the World Economy. The sea lines of communication (SLOC) transit route offers entry into the SCS.
- The region is full of hydrocarbon reserves with rich biodiversity.
- The Philippines and China both depend on fishing in the South China Sea. More than half of the world’s fishing vessels operates in this particular area.
- The SCS region is most abundant with so many fishes like Tuna, mackerel, croaker, anchovy, shrimp, and shellfish.
- Oil, mineral resources, and seafood generally transit to the north through this route.
- According to the estimates of the United States Energy Information Agency, South China Sea contains around 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
- India actively relies on this region for its trade.
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The South China Sea (SCS) – Countries, Islands and Island Chains
The South China Sea plays a major role in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. It indicates the borders of Southeast Asia’s mainland. The sea is bordered by so many Southeast Asian countries like Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Geographically, there are 250 + islands, so many major reefs and seamounts have developed the region. The Islands of the South China Sea are divided into two major ecoregions:
- The Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forest – It is a terrestrial ecoregion forest.
- The Marine Ecoregion – This is considered as the South China Sea Oceanic Islands also.
There are so many major rivers flow through these two regions like Pearl, Min, Jiulong, Red, Mekong, Menam, Rajang, Baram, Kapuas, Batang Hari, Musi, Kampar, Indragiri, Pahang, Agno, Pampanga, and Pasig Rivers. These all rivers flow directly into the South China Sea.
We can also group the islands of the SCS into two specific chains.
The Paracels Islands
- This island chain is present in the northwest corner of the SCS.
- It is a subject of overlapping claims by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
- Some of the islands present in this chain controlled by Beijing directly since 1974.
Spratly Islands
- This island chain is located in the southeast corner of SCS.
- China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim it as their territory which is a subject of overlapping claims again.
- China increased its military forces thereby deploying their naval assets. They also developed some artificial islands in this chain.
- There are so many islands occupied by the Southeast Asian countries, as mentioned below:
|
Vietnam |
27 |
|
China |
8 |
|
Philippines |
7 |
|
Malaysia |
5 |
|
Taiwan |
1 |
Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea
The disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) are related to the maritime and island claims between several sovereign states located in the Indo-Pacific region. Due to territorial claims tensions and conflicts are growing between the Southeast Asian countries. Let us discuss the matter in detail.
Major Disputes Related To South China Sea (SCS)
Here are the major conflicts as mentioned below:
- The South China Sea dispute is generally caused by territorial claims to land features.
- Mostly the conflicts are happening for the islands and reefs, and their associated territorial waters.
- The major islands and reefs formed with the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Pratas, the Natuna Islands, and Scarborough Shoal.
- There are 70 disputed reefs and islets under contention, with China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
- Taiwan building more than 90 outposts on these disputed islands.
- China increased its military forces in Scarborough Shoal by deploying its naval assets there. They also developed some artificial islands in this chain.
- China has been particularly active in the Paracel and Spratly Islands since 2013.
Role of India in Disputes in the South China Sea
55% of India’s trade is actively run and transported through the South China Sea. After the Hague Tribunal’s verdict on the South China Sea, our country took a major stand on the disputes and conflicts happening in the SCS region. Despite China’s protests, India continues its oil exploration in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Vietnam, and ONGC Videsh Limited supplies oil to Vietnam.
Why South China Sea is important for India?
India has strategic, economic, and geopolitical interests in the South China Sea. Here are some points as mentioned below:
- The South China Sea maritime route is vital for global trade including India.
- The South China Sea region is full of hydrocarbon reserves. Being a major energy importer India is looking for stability and security through this route.
- Regional security and stability is another cause as it can regulate the Indo-Pacific relations to balance geopolitical interests.
- The SCS route is important to secure India’s naval and trade activities.
- India is aiming to contribute to a rules-based order to uphold international law in the SCS region.
- Indian Navy performs so many naval exercises with the South China Sea countries.
Efforts to Solve The Disputes in the South China Sea
There is a combination of diplomatic, legal, and multilateral approaches that tried to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea (SCS). India has a keen commercial interest in the South China Sea (SCS). But India follows the policy and goes by the books. India will not involve itself in the disputes between sovereign nations at any cost.
Here are the major efforts taken to solve the South China Sea (SCS) dispute as mentioned below:
- Code of Conduct (CoC): The official talks between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). They tried to establish a CoC to manage the situation. However, progress was slow due to internal disputes and China’s huge claims.
- Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DoC): ASEAN and China adopted the DoC in 2002. It affirms that their commitment to peaceful dispute resolution will be conducted according to international law.
- Arbitral Proceedings: The Philippines initiated arbitral proceedings in 2013 against China under UNCLOS.
- The U.S. Navy conducts regular FONOPs to challenge excessive maritime claims and maintain the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Summary – Disputes in the South China Sea
The South China Sea (SCS) is a significant waterbody in the Western Pacific Ocean, serving as a major trade route and fishing ground. The region has witnessed conflicts among Southeast Asian countries over territorial claims due to its economic importance, natural reserves, and strategic location. The SCS plays a crucial role in global trade and is part of China’s “One Road One Belt Initiative.” Key geographical features include the Spratly and Paracel Islands, with disputes arising over maritime claims based on historical rights and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The area holds rich biodiversity, hydrocarbon reserves, and is vital for India’s trade. Despite diplomatic efforts, disputes persist, impacting regional stability and international interests.
Conclusion
The South China Sea is a region of great strategic and economic importance, as well as a source of contention among several countries in East and Southeast Asia. The territorial disputes in the South China Sea stem from historical, legal, and geopolitical factors, and involve competing claims over islands, reefs, shoals, and maritime rights. The disputes have escalated in recent years, as China has asserted its sovereignty over most of the sea through island-building, naval patrols, and diplomatic pressure. The other claimants, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei, have resisted China’s claims and sought to defend their own interests. The disputes have also drawn the attention and involvement of external powers, such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, who have expressed their support for the freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of the conflicts.
The disputes pose challenges and risks for regional stability, security, and cooperation, as well as for the international law of the sea and the global order. The disputes also offer opportunities and incentives for dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration among the stakeholders, as well as for the development and management of the resources and environment of the South China Sea. The resolution of the disputes requires mutual respect, trust, and compromise among the parties, as well as the adherence to the principles and norms of international law.
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FAQs on Disputes in the South China Sea
Which country does South China Sea belong to?
The People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Vietnam constantly claim that SCS belongs to them.
Why is South China Sea famous?
SCS is famous because it is the world’s most important shipping route, and fishing area and contains a lot of hydrocarbon reserves.
Is South China Sea a part of Indian Ocean?
No. The South China Sea is a part of the western Pacific Ocean.
What 5 countries claim the South China Sea?
China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim it as their territory which is a subject of overlapping claims again. China increased its military forces thereby deploying their naval assets. They also developed some artificial islands in this chain. There are 48 islands occupied by the Southeast Asian countries.
How many countries touch South China Sea?
The South China Sea touches Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. They all are Southeast Asian countries.