Borderline Brief (9/150): South China Sea

The China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan Dispute: Navigating the Complexities of Territorial Claims

Photo by Dongsh on Unsplash

Introduction

In this installment of our series on territorial disputes around the world, we turn our attention to the South China Sea, a region of strategic importance that has been the subject of a longstanding and complex dispute involving several countries in the region. The South China Sea is home to rich fishing grounds, vital shipping lanes, and potentially significant oil and gas reserves, making it a highly contested area. In this post, we will explore the history, causes, and current status of the South China Sea dispute.

Background

The South China Sea is a semi-enclosed sea bordered by China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan. The region has been a point of contention for centuries, with various countries laying claim to different islands, reefs, and shoals in the area. The dispute intensified in the 20th century as countries began to assert their sovereignty over the region.

One of the main sources of contention in the South China Sea is the so-called "nine-dash line" claimed by China, which asserts sovereignty over most of the sea based on historical claims. This claim overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of several other countries in the region, leading to tensions and disputes over fishing rights, oil and gas exploration, and freedom of navigation.

Causes of the Dispute

The main cause of the dispute in the South China Sea is the competing territorial claims of the countries bordering the sea. China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all claim sovereignty over various parts of the region, leading to overlapping claims and disputes over maritime boundaries.

Another factor contributing to the dispute is the strategic importance of the South China Sea. The region is a major shipping route, with a significant portion of global trade passing through its waters. It is also believed to contain large reserves of oil and natural gas, making it a valuable economic resource.