South China Sea Dispute: Understanding the Complexities

The South China Sea has been a subject of contention and dispute since 1947, when China laid claims to this vast body of water and this narrative is epitomized by its infamous nine-dash line. However, this claim has been met with skepticism and opposition from various other nations that also stake their claims in the region. Among these nations is the Philippines, which strongly asserts its rights over the Scarborough Shoal, a particularly contentious area in the South China Sea.

The Scarborough Shoal Dispute

Recently, tensions escalated when buoys, nearly 300 meters in length, were spotted around the Scarborough Shoal, seemingly indicating China’s intent to assert control. However, the Philippines firmly rejected this move, affirming their sovereignty over the area. As a result, the Scarborough Shoal has emerged as a major point of contention between the Philippines and China.

Multiple Claimants and Their Stakes

The South China Sea dispute isn’t limited to just China and the Philippines; numerous other nations have become increasingly frustrated with China’s expansive claims. This region, which lays to the south of China, shares its borders with countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. All these nations argue that the South China Sea doesn’t exclusively belong to China, citing international maritime laws that recognize exclusive economic zones.

In these exclusive economic zones, countries have the freedom to explore resources, enhance security, and uplift the livelihoods of their coastal communities. China, however, insists on its overarching control over the entire South China Sea, causing constant friction with neighboring nations.

The South China Sea’s Global Significance

The South China Sea holds immense geopolitical importance. From a broader Indo-Pacific perspective, it’s seen as a pivotal component of the region. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in global trade, with approximately 21% of worldwide trade passing through its waters, amounting to trillions of dollars in trade volume.

Aside from trade, the South China Sea is a fertile ground for fishing, supporting the livelihoods of many coastal communities. Additionally, the contested Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands are believed to be rich in untapped natural resources, making them valuable assets for the claimant countries.

The Claimants

Several nations lay claims to parts of the South China Sea. These include Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. Specific areas within the sea, like the Scarborough Shoal, are at the center of these disputes. For instance, China and the Philippines both assert their ownership of the Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China.

The crux of these claims lies in the exclusive economic zones defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While Brunei refrains from claiming any disputed islands, Malaysia maintains a partial claim in the Spratlys.

The Nine-Dash Line

China’s infamous nine-dash line is at the core of its claim to the South China Sea. This map, which was originally an eleven-dash line, extends from Henan province’s south to the
east of Taiwan. These dashes, spanning hundreds of miles, represent China’s assertion of indisputable sovereignty.

This narrative has been challenged both internationally and domestically. Some Chinese analysts argue that this territory is their “blue national soil” and trace its origins back to the time when the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) ruled mainland China and later Taiwan.

Historical Disputes and Clashes

Vietnam strongly disputes China’s historical account of the nine-dash line, asserting its active rule over the Paracels and Spratlys since the 17th century. The Philippines, too, lays claim to the Spratly Islands based on geographical proximity.

Historically, clashes and disputes have marred the region. In 1974, China seized the Paracels from Vietnam, leading to the death of many Vietnamese sailors. Similar clashes occurred in 1988 and 2012. Also, the Philippines accused Chinese vessels of aggressive actions, including ramming a Filipino fishing boat in 2019 and using lasers to hinder Filipino boats in 2023.

China’s Assertive Behavior

China’s actions in the South China Sea have raised concerns globally. It has attempted to assert dominance not only over the Philippines but also over countries like India. China’s approach has been seen as aggressive and bullying.

In response to China’s actions, the Philippines took the matter to international legal forums. A tribunal established under UNCLOS made two significant points: first, it ruled that China’s claim of historic rights under the nine-dash line was inconsistent with UNCLOS, and second, it declared that China had violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights by blocking access to fishing and extracting hydrocarbon near the Scarborough Shoal.

The Role of ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was expected to play a role in resolving the dispute by presenting a united front against China. However, divisions within ASEAN nations have hindered a unanimous approach. Some countries support China, some oppose it, and others remain neutral, creating a rift within the organization.

India’s Stance

India, traditionally neutral in the South China Sea dispute, has recently shifted its position. It now emphasizes the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific trade and has called on China to abide by the 2016 tribunal verdict.

The South China Sea dispute is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for international trade, security and geopolitics. While legal avenues have attempted to address the matter, diplomacy remains the key to resolving these tensions. China’s compliance with international laws and its relations with neighboring nations will continue to shape the future of the South China Sea.

FAQs