THE DISPUTE FOR THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IS INCREASING tensions

Delegations are making accords and unions to dispute the South China Sea.

By: Lucas Gabriel - Xinhua News

Russia started the conference supporting China. The U.S. sent military ships to the South China Sea, and this was enough. China doesn't agree with any other delegations' positions. 

Today the delegations are debating about rights in the Security Council. China doesn't want to get away from ‘your territory”. The U.S. responded with disagreement. 
Above the dispute, the South China Sea Dispute is a crucial maritime territory, and the nations are disputing. 
At this juncture, Russia aligns with China, while other delegations express similar sentiments. However, Vietnam and the U.S. are advocating the use of Maritime Official Territory and Exclusive Economic Zones to counter China's claims, citing provisions outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This divergence in perspectives underscores the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing discussions surrounding the South China Sea dispute.

Map of the dispute of the South China Sea. Image for Robert Beckman.

The delegations have been divided into two distinct blocks: the U.S., Vietnam, and the Philippines on one side, and Russia, China, Laos, and Turkey on the other. The first block successfully formulated and presented a resolution addressing the issue at hand. However, Malaysia proposed an amendment, which gained approval. Despite this, both France and the U.S. are contemplating exercising their veto power to block the amendment. This development highlights the intricate negotiations taking place within the conference, with differing interests and strategies coming into play. 
Above that, Xinhua News interviewed the Vietnam delegation, and according to its spokesperson Bruno: “the delegation believes that the actions taken by China are completely against the UNCLOS conventions, which is the organ that protects the rights of the sea of all nations”. 
In conclusion, the tensions on the Security Council Committee are getting bigger, but with no results until now. China's assertiveness in claiming sovereignty over most of the South China Sea has led to tensions with neighbouring countries and raised concerns among the international community about freedom of navigation and regional stability.


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​Bibliography: 
● Beckman, Robert C., et al. Beyond Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea: Legal Frameworks for the Joint Development of Hydrocarbon Resources. Edward Elgar, 2013. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024 
● Beckman R. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Maritime Disputes in the South China Sea. American Journal of International Law. 2013;107(1):142-163. doi:10.5305/amerjintelaw.107.1.0142  Accessed 24 Feb. 2024