The South China Sea is a strategically important region situated between various Asian countries. This sea area is bordered by China and Taiwan to the north, the Indo-Chinese peninsula (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore) to the west, Indonesia and Brunei to the south, and the Philippines to the east, which refers to the region as the West Philippine Sea. It connects with the East China Sea via the Taiwan Strait and the Philippine Sea through the Luzon Strait.
Further elevating its importance is the fact that approximately USD 3.37 trillion worth of trade passed through the South China Sea in 2016, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The sea is thus a crucial global trade route. Moreover, it is also a rich fishing ground contributing significantly to the region’s food security.
Illuminating the South China Sea Disputes
The primary contention in the South China Sea dispute revolves around territorial claims to islands, reefs, and their associated territorial waters. Key features include the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Pratas, the Natuna Islands, and Scarborough Shoal. China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan are involved in disputes over more than 70 reefs and islets, with all having established over 90 outposts on these disputed features.
China’s claim on up to 90% of the sea, marked by the controversial “nine-dash line” map, has escalated tensions. To enforce its claim, China has expanded islands, constructed military installations, and maintained a constant Coast Guard presence specifically in the Paracel and Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal.
Efforts to Resolve the Dispute
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have engaged in talks to formulate a Code of Conduct (CoC) to manage the situation. However, progress has been slow due to internal ASEAN disagreements and China’s outsized claims. In 2002, both parties adopted the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DoC), pledging commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law.
Nonetheless, the CoC remains elusive. The Philippines initiated arbitral proceedings against China under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2013. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled against China’s “nine-dash line” claim in 2016, deeming it inconsistent with UNCLOS. But China rejected this ruling, asserting its sovereignty and historical rights, and challenged the PCA’s authority.
The Way Forward
The sustainable and fair resolution of the South China Sea dispute calls for the active engagement of the international community, not just regional countries. It is crucial that diplomatic efforts ensure any resolution aligns with international norms, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Additionally, collaboration on protecting the marine environment in the South China Sea is essential. This involves initiatives to combat illegal fishing, reduce pollution, and preserve biodiversity. The total fish stocks and coral reefs in this region have alarmingly depleted, necessitating urgent conservation measures.
Moreover, exploring the concept of creating maritime peace parks or protected areas within the South China Sea could be beneficial. Much like terrestrial national parks, these areas could be designated for peaceful purposes like conservation, research, and ecotourism, transcending political disputes.
Relevance to India’s Look East Policy
In the post-Cold War international scenario, India has looked towards establishing stronger economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia. Given that approximately 55% of India’s trade passes through the South China Sea, the dispute resolution in this region carries significant implications for India’s Look East Policy. A peaceful, stable South China Sea aligns with the objectives of India’s policy by facilitating trade and fostering goodwill in the region.