IS THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE A NECESSARY DISCUSSION?

The South China Sea is the subject of discussion at the SPsMUN Security Council.

By: Lucas Gabriel - Xinhua News

The maritime region of China is a strategic region for the world. China, USA, Philippines and Vietnam will debate about this area, but China won’t get away. 

The South China Sea is in historical trouble. China can’t have its own ancient sea because the US defends liberty to navigation in the area. 

Power dynamics and territorial claims collide in the South China Sea (SCS), a historic and crucial maritime area. It is the lifeline of Asia, serving as both a vital commercial route and a natural border for numerous nations. The debate over China's claims highlights the ongoing
struggle for dominance in this important region. The dispute has far-reaching implications for global stability, as commercial interests, natural resources, and military bases are all at stake. 

Map indicating the nine-dash line claimed by China disputed islands and the countries around the South China Sea. Source in the image. Accessed on 21 Feb. 2024.

The topic of why there is disagreement on China's historical domination in the South China Sea is at the center of the issue. This reflects in a question: why the contention over China's historical dominance in the South China Sea? 

The historical influence of China in the region precedes the existence of other claimant nations like Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines. With deep-rooted economic and cultural ties to the area, China's vested interest in maintaining control is evident. China's substantial military presence, with 340 military ships, further solidifies its position as the primary stakeholder in the region. Additionally, the vast natural resources, including an estimated 125 billion barrels of oil, according to China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), underscore China's economic imperative to assert its presence in the SCS. 

Over time, tensions have intensified as China quests to protect its sovereignty and economic investment in the region. China’s efforts to protect the environment and prevent foreign interference reflect its reliance on the SCS. China just claims its own territory according to the "nine-dash line", an area of historic domination from China, drawn by the government in the 1940s. However, the question remains whether the international community should prioritize this disagreement over other pressing global security issues. 

On the other hand, the United States has also elevated its interest in the South China Sea, recognizing its economic and political relevance. In order to demand freedom of exploration, the United States has used military instrumentality to maintain its presence in the region, exacerbating tensions with China. This reflects the United States' historic pursuit of global preeminence, with the South China Sea becoming a key conflict in the competition with China. 
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the U.S. is undermining the stability in the SCS: “It (U.S) frequently promotes militarization of the South China Sea by dispatching large-scale, advanced warships and aircraft. The United States is the destructor and troublemaker of peace and stability in the region. The international community sees this very clearly.” 

In conclusion, the South China Sea dispute is a manifestation of complex geopolitical agitation influenced by historical, economic and strategic factors. Diplomatic discourse and multilateral cooperation are vital to ensure regional stability and prosperity. Despite the pressure to reach a deal, China's opposition to ceding control of its maritime waters to other countries remains a major challenge. It is necessary to understand China's perspective. The nation insists its measures are aimed at protecting its own territory, not expanding into foreign countries. 

Nonetheless, finding peaceful solutions in international forums is crucial to preventing further surges in the epidemic and promoting regional harmony.



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Bibliography: 

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