South China Sea Border Conflict Case Study

The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway due to its role in regional conflicts, as a major trade route, and its potential connection to any future conflict over Taiwan. It is also a vital fishing ground and potentially holds large reserves of untapped oil.

The Spratly Islands are a chain of over 100 small islands and reefs located in the South China Sea. They contain rich fishing grounds and potentially large reserves of oil and gas.

China's claim to sovereignty over over 90% of the South China Sea has been a source of conflict with neighboring countries. China's claims overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

The Philippines and China have clashed over sovereignty in the Sabina Shoal, an area that lies within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone, but which China claims as its own.

The Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This overlapping claims, each nation claiming parts or the whole, leading to a complex geopolitical situation.

China's steady militarisation of the South China Sea since 2013 has involved land reclamation projects and the deployment of military assets. This has been seen as a means to assert and legitimize China's growing territorial claims.

The South China Sea dispute has become increasingly heated with the Philippines and China reporting multiple confrontations in the area, including boat rammings, use of water cannons, and fistfights. These tensions highlight the growing escalation of the conflict.

China's maneuver to take control of Mischief Reef from the Philippines in 1995 is considered to be the start of the decades-long dispute in the South China Sea. This event marked a turning point in the struggle for control of the region.

The Philippines' sovereignty is potentially undermined when they allow another country, like the U.S., to have significant access to their military bases.

China views the USA's increased military presence in the Philippines as a provocation, especially because these bases are near the South China Sea and Taiwan, both areas of vital interest to China.

China's involvement in the South China Sea disputes has generated tensions and impacts local Filipino communities, particularly those in fishing industries, causing economic hardships and safety concerns.

China's actions in the South China Sea, like disregarding international agreements and taking control of disputed territories, could undermine confidence in international law and create a dangerous precedent for other countries to follow.

The South China Sea dispute can escalate into a larger conflict, potentially involving regional powers and even superpowers, creating a dangerous scenario with global implications.

China's actions in the South China Sea can create a loss of confidence in international agreements and damage the legitimacy of organizations like the UN, potentially affecting global stability and diplomacy.

The South China Sea dispute highlights the importance of international law and the need to foster cooperation and diplomacy to resolve regional conflicts and maintain global stability.

China's actions in the South China Sea could embolden other nations to disrespect international law and territorial boundaries, leading to a rise in similar disputes and a more unstable global environment.

Efforts to resolve the South China Sea dispute through negotiation have been ineffective, highlighting the challenges in peacefully resolving territorial disputes and the need for stronger diplomatic initiatives.

The South China Sea dispute is a complex issue with implications for global economy, human rights, and state wellbeing, making it essential to understand the historical, political, and economic factors involved.

A 2016 ruling by an international court that invalidated China's claim to most of the South China Sea based on its "nine-dash line" claim, siding with the Philippines in their legal challenge.

A 2012 incident where China seized control of Scarborough Shoal, a strategically important atoll located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A line depicted on Chinese maps that encompasses almost the entire South China Sea, reflecting their claims to vast swathes of disputed waters.

A strategic region where vital sea lanes converge, hosting rich fishing grounds, potential hydrocarbon reserves, and crucial shipping routes.

A situation where two or more nations have overlapping claims to territory, often causing tension and potential conflict.

The idea that nations prioritize safeguarding their own security above other factors, sometimes leading to actions perceived as threatening by other states.

A situation where actions taken by one state to improve its own security are seen as threatening by others, potentially leading to a cycle of escalating tensions.

A political philosophy emphasizing cooperation, interdependence, and the pursuit of common interests through institutions and international law.

The United States' policy of providing military and financial aid to allied nations, particularly to counter regional threats like China's influence in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' strategic location and the importance of maintaining stability in the region for its economic and security interests.

China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, including its military buildup, island construction, and assertive behavior toward other nations.

The EU's economic dependence on trade through the South China Sea, making its stability crucial for global economic prosperity.

The impact of regional instability on global trade, economics, and the potential for conflict.

The strategy of increasing its military presence and capabilities, particularly in the South China Sea, often perceived as provocative by neighboring countries.

Actions taken by China to reinforce its claims in the South China Sea, including the construction of artificial islands, deployment of troops, and development of infrastructure.