For centuries, various countries have had a series of disputes over territory in the South China Sea. However, there have been major tensions in recent years.
The most specific aspect that has led to huge tensions are China’s claims for sovereignty over land parcels along with adjacent waters. Many competing claimant countries such as Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have frowned on such requests.
Other nations claim numerous other zones in the sea and on islands. These places include the Spratlys and the Paracels.
On the other hand, China’s huge claims are actually supported by naval patrols and island construction. The United States has expressed that while it does not intend to take sides in matters of territorial disputes, it has sent aircraft and warships around the disputed islands for “freedom of navigation”.
In the South China Sea, Japan has not taken a clear and direct stake. However, the country offers military equipment and stores to the Philippines and Vietnam, the two claimants in the territorial dispute.
Now, in such a scenario, there is a prevailing fear that the region will soon become a hotspot, and this can have potentially serious global consequences.
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Why are claimants interested in the South China Sea anyway?
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, about 21 percent of global trade of $3.37 trillion passed through the South China Sea in 2016. So, the South China Sea is actually a strong sea route.
In addition, the water is blessed with rich fishing grounds. It actually provides livelihoods for millions throughout the area. It is interesting that more than half of the world’s fishing boats operate in the region.
The Spratlys and Paracels could hold reserves of natural resources around them. Estimates, however, can be extrapolated since not much detailed research has yet been done in the area.
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What is a nine-dash line?
China demarcates most of its territory with the “nine-dash line”. This so-called nine-dash line consists of a total of nine dashes stretching hundreds of miles east and south of Hainan.
In 1947, China issued a map that confirmed its claims. China now says its claims are backed by history, at a time when the Spratly and Paracel island chains were considered an integral part of China. The nine-dash line attempts to cover almost the entire South China Sea.
Taiwan also echoes the same claims.
Despite China’s strong claims, critics say the country is not concretely clear about what is actually included in its claim. Moreover, critics also state that the nine-dash line seen on Chinese maps does not include coordinates.
Moreover, it is still unclear whether China will claim only the land territory that falls within the nine-dash line, or the entire maritime space within it.
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Categories: Trends
Source: newstars.edu.vn