The South China Sea, nestled between Southeast Asia and East Asia, has become a focal point of global geopolitical dynamics, attaining unprecedented significance in contemporary times. This strategic waterway, encompassing vital sea lanes and rich natural resources, has evolved into a geopolitical hotspot due to competing territorial claims among neighboring nations. The contested nature of the region, fueled by historical grievances and maritime disputes, has given rise to heightened tensions and geopolitical maneuvering. The South China Sea is not merely a geographical expanse but a theater where major world powers jockey for influence and assert their strategic interests. China’s assertive territorial claims, notably through the construction of artificial islands and military build-up, have further intensified the geopolitical complexities. The United States, along with regional players such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan, seeks to counterbalance China’s expanding influence, leading to a delicate geopolitical dance in the region. The South China Sea’s geopolitical significance is underscored by its role as a critical trade route, making it a key arena where economic, political, and security interests intersect, shaping the course of international relations in the 21st century. As nations navigate this geopolitical chessboard, the South China Sea remains a flashpoint that demands careful consideration and diplomatic finesse.
Tag: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent).
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to write briefly about the reasons it is called the South China Sea and its importance.
- In Body,
- Elaborately examine the significance of the South China Sea.
- Mention recent disputes over it and India’s position.
- Conclude by suggesting what can be done to minimise the tension around the South China Sea.
Answer:
The South China Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean having an area of 3,500,000 square kilometres situated on the south of China. The South China Sea has been an “apple of discord” between the US and China in international affairs for decades. Not only US-China rivalry but also regional countries have been motivated to get involved in the territory as it’s one of the lucrative territories in both geopolitical and strategic dynamics. Now, it has become a global issue even small countries are involved in a vis-à-vis position. The Philippines already has gone to the Permanent Court of Arbitration against China and the court verdict is in favour of its claim.
Geopolitical significance of South China Sea:
- Trade Routes and Shipping: More than 50% of the world’s annual merchant fleet tonnage passes through the South China Sea. It is estimated that around 80% of China’s oil imports and 30% of global maritime trade in goods transit through the South China Sea.
- Strategic Location: The South China Sea covers an area of approximately 3.5 million square kilometres, making it one of the largest seas in the world. About one-third of the world’s shipping passes through the South China Sea, making it a crucial maritime choke point.
- Economic Value: The South China Sea is believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves, with estimates of about 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.The region’s fisheries are estimated to provide livelihoods and food security for over 3 million people.
- Territorial Claims: Multiple countries have competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire sea, while other countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have overlapping claims over various islands and waters.
- Military Presence: Several countries in the region, including China and the United States, have maintained a military presence in the South China Sea. China has constructed artificial islands and deployed military assets, raising concerns among neighbouring countries.
- Maritime Disputes: Tensions over territorial claims and maritime boundaries have led to incidents of maritime confrontations. For example, the Scarborough Shoal standoff between China and the Philippines in 2012 heightened regional tensions.
- Global Geopolitical Rivalries: The South China Sea has become a focal point of geopolitical rivalries between major powers like the United States and China. The U.S. has shown support for countries like the Philippines and Vietnam in their disputes with China.
Recent Geopolitical Friction:
- Military Activity and Territorial Disputes: China’s continued construction and militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea have heightened tensions with neighbouring countries and other global powers. China has maintained its assertive stance over its “Nine-Dash Line” claims, overlapping with territorial claims of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. There have been incidents of Chinese vessels conducting activities near disputed features and islands, leading to diplomatic protests from other claimant countries.
- United States’ Response: The United States has been actively conducting freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, challenging excessive maritime claims and asserting its commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and international law. The U.S. has expressed support for its allies in the region and has called for the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, particularly UNCLOS.
- Regional Security Concerns: The South China Sea has remained a focal point of regional security discussions and dialogues among ASEAN countries. Concerns over maritime security, territorial disputes, and potential military confrontations persist. ASEAN member states have been working on a Code of Conduct (COC) to manage and prevent conflicts in the South China Sea, but progress has been slow due to differences in approaches and priorities.
- Economic Impact: The South China Sea’s strategic location and significance as a major maritime trade route have implications for global trade and economic activities. Any escalation of tensions could disrupt shipping and trade flows in the region.
- International Engagement: Other countries, including Japan, Australia, and European nations, have expressed concerns about the situation in the South China Sea and have called for the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law.
India’s Position:
- Support for Freedom of Navigation and International Law: India has consistently emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea for all countries. It supports the principles of UNCLOS and calls for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
- Promotion of a Rules-Based Order: India advocates for a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea. It underscores the significance of respecting international law and UNCLOS to prevent conflicts and ensure stability in the region.
- Concerns about the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI): India has expressed reservations about China’s Belt and Road Initiative, including some infrastructure projects in the South China Sea region. India has raised concerns about the potential strategic implications of such projects and their impact on regional stability.
In recent times, there are lots of geopolitical conflicts coming over the South China Sea in terms of economic interests, conflict of Interests, and the environment. The issue of the South China Sea situation can be solved when the bordering countries come together. There is a need for a policy of co-engagement between major players within the region. Their fulfilment requires the employment of a combination of hard and soft levers of power, subtlety, and accommodation.
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