Overview
China, a culturally and economically rich nation valued at $18.5 trillion, largely achieved its prosperity through trade, particularly exports. However, it currently faces numerous challenges, which it refers to as domestic (internal) problems that significantly affect the global landscape. One of the most widely discussed internal issue is the South China Sea dispute, predominantly involving the Philippines but also impacting neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam.

The core of the issue revolves around disputed maritime boundaries and claims to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), notably concerning two islands that have gained prominence in global discussions: the Paracels and the Spratlys. A particularly contentious point is the Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China, located approximately 100 miles (160 km) from the Philippines and 500 miles from China.

Why The Sea Matters

Significantly, 60% of maritime trade transits through Asia, with the South China Sea encompassing one-third of global shipping routes. The security of China's economy is closely linked to these waters, with $874 billion of exports in 2016, which has since risen to account for 40% of China's export cargo vessels. In the same year, the Philippines exported $31 billion, while Indonesia and Taiwan accounted for $121 billion and $97 billion, respectively.

If I were a Chinese diplomat, I would assert claims over the sea due to its strategic significance for trade; however, I am not a Chinese diplomat, and I recognize that this argument is not entirely valid (in my opinion). The crux of the issue lies in determining the extent of nautical miles over which a country can exert control for trade purposes, essentially focusing on the contested boundaries and claims to the EEZ and islands.

At present, the world is embroiled in land conflicts and faces the potential risk of extending these hostilities to maritime territories, which could lead to maritime wars. For example, the Houthis in Yemen have been attacking ships in the Red Sea under the assumption that these vessels might belong to Israel. Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain unresolved, despite failed peace negotiations involving Brazil and China, as well as a Swiss peace summit that yielded no significant developments. Given these circumstances, we cannot afford to escalate the South China Sea dispute.

History Of The Dispute:

The claimants, namely China and the Philippines, have contended the historical ownership of the Paracel Islands, which are situated in the northwest corner of the sea, and the Spratly Islands, located in the southeast corner. None of the countries-China, Vietnam, or the Philippines-claimed any of these islands until the end of World War II, after which a rush for control ensued.

In 1946, China established a presence on several features of the Spratly Islands, and just two weeks earlier, in 1947, China seized Woody Island, a part of the Paracel Islands, from the French and Vietnamese settlers(on nearby islands). Regarding relations with Taiwan and the Philippines, China and Taiwan established a permanent presence on several key islands, while the Philippines asserted claims over much of the Spratly Islands.

Tensions escalated further in 1974 when China seized the Paracels from Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of over 70 Vietnamese troops amid indications of oil reserves beneath the South China Sea. In 1988, the two nations clashed again in the Spratlys, with Vietnam suffering significant losses, including around 60 sailors. The situation with the Philippines began to deteriorate in 1995 when Beijing constructed bunkers on Mischief Reef following a Philippine oil concession. In early 2012, China and the Philippines engaged in a protracted maritime standoff, each accusing the other of intruding into the Scarborough Shoal.

To Conclude
The South China Sea dispute involves China, the Philippines, and other neighboring countries like Vietnam and Malaysia, centering on contested claims over key islands, including the Paracels, Spratlys, and Scarborough Shoal. The area is crucial as it handles one-third of global shipping, with China alone heavily dependent on it for exports. The conflict dates back to post-WWII, with multiple clashes over the years. The unresolved territorial dispute poses risks of maritime conflict, further destabilizing the region amidst already strained global tensions.

Bibliography:

1. DW News
2. China Power – Unpacking the Complexity of China's Rise
3. AP News
4. Al Jazeera
5. BBC