Summary of "What’s behind the South China Sea dispute? | Start Here"
The South China Sea dispute centers on control over a strategically vital region rich in oil, gas, and fish, and hosting some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. China aims to dominate these waters to secure trade routes and energy supplies critical for its economy, seeking to become a major naval power across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. However, several other countries—including Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia—also claim rights to parts of the sea, particularly concerning islands, seabed resources, and fishing areas. The United States, reliant on these shipping lanes for hundreds of billions of dollars in trade, also maintains a strong presence to ensure freedom of navigation.
China’s expansive territorial claim is based on the “nine-dash line,” first drawn in 1929 from old British charts, later expanded to include Taiwan. This claim has been challenged legally, notably by the Philippines, which in 2016 won an international tribunal ruling invalidating China’s nine-dash line claim under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Despite this, China continues to build military outposts and artificial islands, particularly in the Paracels and Spratlys, escalating tensions with neighbors and the US.
Efforts by ASEAN countries to negotiate a Code of Conduct with China have seen limited progress, complicated by differing interests within the group and concerns about provoking China. The US counters China’s assertiveness through naval operations and joint military exercises with allies, but these have also heightened tensions.
The dispute remains unresolved and volatile, with frequent confrontations at sea involving Chinese coastguard and militia vessels. While no party currently seeks open conflict, the high stakes and heavy militarization raise fears of potential escalation. China’s long historical perspective and strategic patience suggest the dispute will persist, reflecting its fundamental importance to all regional players.
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