Today’s world is riddled with regional, national, civil and international conflicts. These conflicts at regional level are steadily developing into major national and even international disputes. One such recent issue – that in reality is years old – which has been ignited again with a new vigor is South China Sea disputes.
South China Sea Conflict
These territorial disputes in the South China Sea are not just between two countries. Most of the regional countries are wrangling over territory and sovereignty over certain areas in South China Sea. The two islands; the Paracels and the Spratlys, along with some atolls, reefs, sandbanks and rocky outcrops; are the basic regions of disputes. Since China has been claiming and expanding their marine territory by installing their military in certain areas, therefore, China is considered as a major aggressive force here. Beijing also claims that their rights over the larger territory go back to centuries. While Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei; have their own sets of evidence, to lay claim over certain parts of the region.
The areas are largely uninhabited but the two islands may have reserves of natural resources, thus making the region a gold mine, in an ever growing Asian population. Moreover, the sea offers a major trade route and very rich fishing grounds.
Recently, the friction among the nations, coupled with US statements has made this area a flash point carrying global consequences. According to the reports, China in South China Sea is planning to send nuclear submarines for patrolling Pacific Ocean. The move comes at a time when US military also has its presence in the region. Although no set time table for this move has been presented but even the announcement is considered as a warning to all the parties concerned. In their defense, Beijing has put all the blame on US for the evocation of such actions and US has installed a missile system in Korea which can be effectively used against Chinese soil.
Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea
During the last few decades the territorial disputes in the South China Sea have been more intense between China and Vietnam, China and USA. In October 2015, the US sailed its guided-missile destroyer within 12 nautical miles of the disputed island. Although a warning was given to the US by China but since then South China Sea conflict has further intensified.
Other countries that are part of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, have been demanding the intervention by UNO or even ASEAN to bring China to the table, so that the issue could be resolved peacefully, but China has been ruling out these options consistently. Philippines have even taken the case to Permanent Court of Arbitration, Hague; but China declined to appear. Furthermore, China has so far refused to discuss any multilateral negotiations over South China Sea conflict. To counter Chinese aggression, the other nations are hoping to ally with American presence in the region to counter Chinese claims.
The recent steady increase in the aggressive events related to South China Sea issue can be summed up as follows:
- China’s construction of artificial islands
- Installation of surface-t-air missiles
- Construction of landing strips
- Patrol by fighter jets
- Advanced radar system
- Chinese intrusion by fishing fleets and oil rigs
South China Sea Issue in Conclusion
Considering all the possible scenarios, US has formal obligation (Mutual Defense Treaty) to side with Philippines in case of Chinese attack. But no military activities by US are indicative of their support towards Philippines.
Apparently, up till now the unfolding events are indicative of the fact that china lays its claim over this region vehemently, without taking into considerations the pleas and petitions of the other involved countries. China has also indirectly sent forceful message to the US military presence in the region. The region at the moment is extremely volatile, with nuclear neighbors, US presence and other countries. In case of an occurrence of a war the situation can become extremely chaotic with different countries siding with China or US, might lead to World War III.
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