South China Sea Border Conflict Case Study

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Questions and Answers

What area is specifically mentioned as being part of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone while also claimed by China?

Huangyan Island

Mischief Reef

Scarborough Shoal

Sabina Shoal (correct)

Which of the following statements accurately describes China's claims in the South China Sea?

China claims sovereignty over less than 50% of the South China Sea.

China occupies only some uninhabited islands in the area.

China has no military presence in the Spratly Islands.

China asserts sovereignty over more than 90% of the South China Sea. (correct)

What significant agreement was reached between the Philippines and the United States to enhance military cooperation?

Mutual Defense Treaty

Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (correct)

Trilateral Defense Pact

Pacific Security Initiative

What has been one of the consequences of China's land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea since late 2013?

Increased tensions with neighboring countries. Signup and view all the answers

How has China's perception changed in response to the U.S. military bases in the Philippines?

It perceives them as a provocation. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant impact of the territorial conflicts in the South China Sea according to recent events?

Increased violent confrontations between China and the Philippines. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant impact on local Filipino fishermen due to rising tensions at sea?

Struggles to reach traditional fishing areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which country has accused the Chinese coast guard of using water cannons against its troops in the South China Sea?

Philippines Signup and view all the answers

Which organization's agreements have faced disregard due to actions by China in relation to the Philippines?

United Nations (UN) Signup and view all the answers

What resources are believed to be abundant in the waters surrounding the Spratly Islands?

Natural gas and oil Signup and view all the answers

Which country has occupied around 70 disputed islets and reefs in the Spratly Islands?

China Signup and view all the answers

What primary reason do U.S. and Philippine officials believe scaling up military cooperation is essential?

To ensure national sovereignty and security. Signup and view all the answers

What event is considered to be the starting point of the decades-long dispute between China and the Philippines over the Spratly Islands?

China's takeover of Mischief Reef in 1995 Signup and view all the answers

What has been a major challenge in the negotiations between China and the Philippines regarding maritime issues?

Stagnation of the Code of Conduct discussions. Signup and view all the answers

What potential global consequence is associated with China's disregard for international border laws?

A risk of large-scale conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it critical to understand geopolitical tensions such as those between the Philippines and China?

To ensure stability and reduce conflicts globally. Signup and view all the answers

What ideology clash is occurring between the United States and China as it pertains to the Philippines?

Democracy versus authoritarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence for the Philippines due to its military cooperation with the United States?

Potential loss of sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant event that escalated tensions between China and the Philippines in 2012?

Takeover of Scarborough Shoal by China Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome of the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling?

The ruling rejected China's claims based on the 'nine-dash line' Signup and view all the answers

Which country is NOT mentioned as providing military assistance to the Philippines?

Russia Signup and view all the answers

What has been China's response to the Philippines' attempts to seek legal recourse for its maritime disputes?

Construction and fortification of artificial islands Signup and view all the answers

What principle explains the cycle of military aid and defense partnerships involving the Philippines and the USA?

Security dilemma Signup and view all the answers

Which European country is noted for having overseas territories in the South China Sea?

France Signup and view all the answers

What strategy has the Philippines employed to bolster its maritime defense capabilities?

Receiving foreign military aid and conducting joint exercises Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the complexity of European Union members’ views on the South China Sea disputes?

Different member states have varying priorities and interests Signup and view all the answers

What geographic feature was at the center of the 1995 territorial dispute between China and the Philippines?

Mischief Reef Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the first direct collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels?

Collision at Sabina Shoal Signup and view all the answers

What economic significance does the South China Sea hold for the European Union?

Around one third of global shipping transits through it Signup and view all the answers

What type of military exercises has the Philippines engaged in with other nations?

Joint military exercises with various countries including large-scale ones with the USA Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea?

Strengthening of military capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which influence indicates the interconnectedness of global trade and regional stability in the context of the South China Sea?

Interdependence effects on global supply chains Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

South China Sea Border Conflict: A Case Study

Sovereignty Dispute: Disputes center on Sabina Shoal within the Philippines' EEZ, but claimed by China. China claims nearly 90% of the South China Sea.
Strategic Importance: Rich fishing grounds, potential oil reserves, critical trade route, and geopolitical importance in potential conflicts (like Taiwan).
Militarization: China has been steadily reclaiming land and militarizing positions to strengthen its claims in the South China Sea.
Spratly Islands: Over 100 islands and reefs, claimed by multiple countries (China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines). Approximately 70 disputed features are occupied by these countries.
Escalation: Recent confrontations including ship ramming, water cannon use, and physical altercations between Chinese Coast Guard and Philippine forces. Six incidents were reported in August alone, primarily around Sabina Shoal and Scarborough Shoal.
Historical Context: China's control over Mischief Reef in 1995 marked a turning point. In 2012, China took control of Scarborough Shoal, prompting the Philippines to challenge China's claims under the UNCLOS.
2016 Arbitration Ruling: A tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China's "nine-dash line" claim.
China's Assertiveness: China increased military presence through reclamation of land.

Interests and Stakeholders

Philippines: Security, sovereignty, access to resources and fishing grounds.
China: Security, sovereignty (including Taiwan), regional influence, and access to resources (oil, gas).
USA: Interest in regional stability and potential conflict with China, support for Philippines
EU: Crucial trade route, economic stability dependent on unhindered trade through the South China Sea. Different EU member states have varying levels of interest given their specific economic and naval activity in the area.
Other Asian countries: Economic interdependence and potential regional conflict if the dispute escalates.

Theoretical Perspectives

Realism: China's actions reflect a security dilemma; the Philippines' interactions with the USA reflect the security dilemma; China’s actions undermining international agreements show their lack of commitment to legal processes
Liberalism: The Philippines seeks partnerships and support from other countries (USA, Japan, Australia) to counter China's moves.
Interdependence: EU countries and the USA's investments in the region.
Sovereignty: The Philippines perceives its sovereignty being undermined.

Impacts and Implications

Local Impact (Philippines): Damage to local economies (fishing), limitations on resource exploitation, and direct threats.
Global Impact: Strained relations, risk of broader conflict, disruption of trade, and challenges to the legitimacy of international law.
Potential for Future Conflicts: Possible reactions if China's actions are ignored or challenged

Importance of Understanding

Interdependence: Global stability dependent on peaceful relations. Disruptions will negatively impact multiple countries.
International Law: Maintenance of agreements and norms is vital for future relations. Violation sends wrong signals to other actors in global politics.

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Description

Explore the intricate details of the South China Sea border conflict, focusing on the sovereignty disputes over areas like the Sabina Shoal and the strategic implications for the Philippines and China. Delve into the militarization and escalation of tensions among multiple countries, including Vietnam and Malaysia, while considering historical context and geopolitical significance.