Philippines-based Chinese Embassy denies inaccurate statements regarding South China Sea from EU-Philippines relations.
A look at the ongoing South China Sea disputes, a long-running tangle of territorial claims that have escalated tensions in the region.
A Historical Perspective
The South China Sea's contested territories can be traced back to centuries, but the modern squabbles have intensified over the last few decades. Initially, the region was not a significant focus, but the 19th century saw European colonial powers and Japan encroach upon it. Japan's seizure of South China Sea islands in the late 30's significantly escalated regional disagreements [1].
- Historical Basis: Both the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC) lay claims to territories, backed by evidence from the Han Dynasty and beyond [4].
- Post-WWII: After World War II, both PRC and ROC staked their claim to the islands, invoking the Cairo and Potsdam declarations that compelled Japan to relinquish territories captured during the war. However, the declarations neglectively omitted any mention of South China Sea islands [1].
Present-day Disputes
The South China Sea has emerged as a flashpoint for territorial disputes, involving countries such as China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
- Key Players:
- China: Occupies the Paracel Islands and has set up military installations in the Spratlys.
- Taiwan: Claims Taiping Island in the Spratlys.
- Vietnam: Boasts the highest number of occupied features in the Spratlys.
- Philippines: Stakes a claim on parts of the Spratlys and Scarborough Shoal.
- Malaysia and Brunei:lay claim to marine territories.
- Contested Areas: The disputes revolve around control of strategic shipping lanes, fishing resources, and potential oil and gas reserves. The South China Sea supports an estimated $3.36 trillion of annual international trade [2].
Geopolitical Ramifications
The South China Sea disputes bear profound implications for regional stability, global trade, and strategic alliances.
- Economic Consequences: The South China Sea serves as a vital trade conduit. Any disruptions could set off economic ripple effects worldwide.
- Strategic Significance: The region is crucial for energy security, offering access to potential oil and gas reserves, and for military security due to its strategic location.
- International Relations: The conflicts involve major players like the United States, which has countered China's claims with freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs), and regional alliances like ASEAN, which is dedicated to maintaining peace and cooperation in the region.
- Recent Developments: The situation remains volatile, with continued military fortification and diplomatic efforts to mediate the disputes. The 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea aims to cultivate a peaceful resolution and fostering cooperation. Yet, a binding, definitive code of conduct remains evasive [3].
[1] South China Sea disputes: overview, BBC News, 2021-04-08, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-27602098[2] South China Sea: Map shows crucial $3.37tn shipping routes, BBC News, 2016-07-12, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-36756657[3] South China Sea disputes: Vietnam, China rattle swords in latest show of force, CNN, 2019-12-06, https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/06/asia/south-china-sea-china-vietnam-intl/index.html[4] China's South China Sea claims: A historical exploration, CNN, 2016-07-11, https://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/11/asia/china-south-china-sea-claims-history/index.html
- Historical Roots: The historical basis for the South China Sea disputes can be traced back to ancient times, both China and Taiwan claiming territories with evidence dating back to the Han Dynasty.
- War-and-Conflicts and Politics: The modern disagreements have escalated significantly over the last few decades, reaching a peak during World War II when Japan seized South China Sea islands, causing further regional tensions. Post-WWII, the lack of mention of South China Sea islands in the Cairo and Potsdam declarations led to continued disputes between China, Taiwan, and other nations. Today, the South China Sea is a flashpoint for territorial disputes involving multiple countries, with strategic implications for global trade, energy security, and military security. The ongoing conflicts have critical geopolitical ramifications, influencing regional stability, international relations, and strategic alliances.
