China’s “Illegal” Artificial Islands Spike South China Sea Tensions | From The Frontline

Introduction

  • The South China Sea is a significant geopolitical flashpoint in Asia.

  • Involves claims and formation of new land, as well as redrawing national borders at sea.

  • Encompasses vital connections to both the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Overview of the South China Sea

  • Covers more than 3 million square kilometers.

  • Encircled by several nations: China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.

  • Estimated resources:

    • 12 billion barrels of oil

    • 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas

  • Rich in biodiversity with large reefs and fisheries.

  • Hosts hundreds of mostly uninhabited small islands.

  • The South China Sea holds immense trade and military importance, leading to territorial disputes.

Territorial Claims and the United Nations Law of the Sea

  • Nations surrounding the South China Sea claim extensive territories:

    • China and Taiwan: Claim significant areas based on historical grounds.

    • Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia: Overlapping claims to various regions.

  • Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ): Extend up to 200 nautical miles off the coast, granting countries exclusive rights to economic resources.

    • Most nations align with the U.N. Law of the Seas, unlike China, which asserts a broader claim via the nine-dash line.

China's Position and the Nine-Dash Line

  • China claims historical rights dating back to the 15th century, demarcated by the nine-dash line.

  • This assertion defies U.N. regulations and overlaps with other nations' territorial claims.

  • Reasoning behind China's stance:

    • Historical context

    • Desire for additional resources

  • Nations like the Philippines express the need to maintain sovereignty and territorial rights amidst China's expansion.

Key Conflict Areas in the South China Sea

Spratly Islands

  • Claimed by: China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam.

  • Central location provides strategic military value and extended EEZ benefits.

  • Observed developments:

    • Nations have built infrastructure, but China has created artificial islands and military bases (3,000 acres).

  • Airbases established on Fiery Cross, Mischief, and Subi Islands.

Paracel Islands

  • Proximity to Vietnam increases tension; heavily claimed by China.

  • Developments by China:

    • Artificial islands created.

    • Military installations, including an operational airbase on Woody Island.

Scarborough Shoal

  • Disputed territory between China and the Philippines, located within the Philippine EEZ.

  • Recent tensions:

    • Incidents of aggressive actions, including a water cannon confrontation.

  • Strained relations potentially inching towards conflict due to maritime rights violations.

Airspace Control and Military Presence

  • China has unilaterally established an air identification zone requiring permission for aircraft passage.

  • Increased military assertiveness from China leads to heightened U.S. military involvement in the region.

  • U.S. actions:

    • Conduct freedom of navigation operations.

    • Responses to aggressive actions from China's military.

Responses from the U.S. and Regional Allies

  • Countries feeling pressured by China are enhancing military ties with the U.S.:

    • Philippines: Routine military exercises, increased U.S. troop presence, acquisition of BrahMos missiles.

    • Vietnam: Engaging in military collaboration with the U.S. and India for arms procurement to counter China.

  • Diplomatic alignments form around shared interests in battling China's assertiveness.

China's Military Strategy and Regional Landscape

  • China maintains an advantage due to geographic proximity to disputed islands.

  • Strategy includes:

    • Gradual military expansion.

    • Soft power through economic and infrastructure investments.

  • The United States' involvement complicates the matter further, stressing the geopolitical landscape and alliances.

Conclusion

  • The South China Sea remains a critical region with conflicting claims impacting international relations.

  • Ongoing disputes and military tensions suggest that resolution is unlikely in the near future.

  • The balance of power is crucial with China seeing the Sea as integral to its historical and territorial integrity.