Tensions in the South China Sea: A Growing Concern
Background to the Conflict
The South China Sea has been a contentious issue for years, with China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam all claiming parts of the sea. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam are concerned that China’s expansive claim encroaches into their exclusive economic zones (EEZ), non-territorial waters that extend 370km from the coasts of a nation’s land.
Recent Developments
In recent weeks, China and the Philippines have clashed in a series of confrontations in the South China Sea. The most recent incident occurred when Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannon and side-swiped a Manila fisheries bureau boat on the way to deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen around the Scarborough Shoal. The US condemned the move, with the US Navy’s 7th Fleet also expressing concern.
Chinese Accusations
China has accused the Philippines of "provoking trouble" in the South China Sea, with US backing. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China’s defence ministry, stated that the Philippines, with US support and solicitation, has been stirring up trouble in many spots in the South China Sea. The Philippines is well aware that the scope of its territory is determined by a series of international treaties and has never included China’s Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, according to Wu Qian.
International Law and the 2016 Tribunal Ruling
In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that China’s claim had no basis under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that its blockade around the Scarborough Shoal was in breach of international law. China has never recognised the decision. Sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal has never been established.
Negotiations for a Code of Conduct
The Philippines and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have spent years negotiating a code of conduct with Beijing for the strategic waterway. Some nations in the bloc insist that it be based on UNCLOS. EEZs give the coastal nation jurisdiction over living and nonliving resources in the water and on the ocean floor.
Conclusion
The ongoing tensions in the South China Sea are a growing concern, with both China and the Philippines trading accusations and counter-accusations. The situation highlights the importance of respecting international law and the need for nations to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve disputes.
FAQs
- What is the South China Sea?
The South China Sea is a body of water located in the Western Pacific Ocean, claimed by China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. - What is an exclusive economic zone (EEZ)?
An EEZ is a non-territorial water area extending 370km from a nation’s coast, giving it jurisdiction over living and nonliving resources. - What is the UNCLOS?
The UNCLOS is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the rights and obligations of nations in relation to the use of the world’s oceans. - What is the latest development in the South China Sea conflict?
The latest development is the clash between China and the Philippines, with Chinese coast guard vessels firing water cannon and side-swiping a Manila fisheries bureau boat on the way to deliver supplies to Filipino fishermen around the Scarborough Shoal.