South China Sea Key Terms

South China Sea

Semi-enclosed sea in western Pacific Ocean

Nine Dash Line

China's claim of sovereignty over disputed waters

Claimant Nations

Countries asserting rights in South China Sea

ASEAN

Association of Southeast Asian Nations involved in disputes

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Area where a state has rights to marine resources

Spratly Islands

Group of islands claimed by multiple nations

Paracel Islands

Islands claimed by China and Vietnam

Scarborough Shoal

Disputed area between China and the Philippines

Gulf of Tonkin

Strategic waterway in the South China Sea

Freedom of Navigation

Principle ensuring ships can travel freely in waters

UNCLOS

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Geopolitical Tensions

Strained relations among nations over territorial disputes

Military Patrols

China's naval operations to assert territorial claims

Joint Naval Exercises

Collaborative military drills among allied nations

Gray Zone Tactics

Strategies to exert influence without open conflict

Typhon Missile System

Modern missile system deployed by the US in Philippines

Humanitarian Initiatives

Efforts to provide disaster relief and conflict mitigation

Economic Cost

Impact of conflict on international commerce routes

Military Bases

Facilities established by China on artificial islands

Conflict Mitigation

Strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of violence

US-China Rivalry

Competition affecting global trade and security dynamics

Humanitarian Dialogue

Conversations aimed at preventing violent escalation

Disaster Relief

Assistance provided during natural disasters in the region

Philippine Legal Action

Philippines' response to China's territorial claims

Artificial Islands

Land masses created by China for military purposes

Maritime Cooperation

Collaborative efforts among nations to ensure safe navigation

Military Prescence

Deployment of armed forces in contested regions

Regional Peace

Stability sought through multilateral talks and agreements