EQ3- how can spheres of influence lead to conflict

What do political spheres of influence refer to?

Regions where powerful countries exert control or influence over other nations

Can shape their policies economies and military decisions

an area or territory beyond a countries national borders over which it feels it should have power over territory or resources

How can spheres of influence lead to tensions?

When multiple countries have overlapping interests

(Esp over territory and resources)

Where does China now want to exert wider influence?

Within Asia, esp South China Sea

Also refusing to abandon its long-held territorial claims over Tibet and Taiwan

Why is the South China Sea a key area

Essential for trade as it forms a link between Indian and Pacific Ocean

huge economic importance- 30% of global trade passes through this region SO would give China significant leverage over trade negotiations and could potentially restrict trade

What % of the worlds petroleum products passes through the South China Sea?

40%

So China could control resources and access to resources

(Geo strategy)

The region is however c_____

Between who? Why?

Contested

Between China, Taiwan, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam and more

As they all see and want this area as theirs for the advantages that come with it

What had China done since 2014 here?

Turned numerous reeds into man made artificial islands, heavily fortified with missiles, runways and weapons

Cause huge distress and outcry from other governments and huge hard power from China

China has a_____ pursued a policy of i___ s_________ and artificial island b______ then adding m_____ bases

Aggressively

Island settlement

Building

Military