South China Sea has not been a peaceful sea for many decades because of its strategic location.
China has been eyeing the islands in the South China Sea and so has been Vietnam, who continue to accuse each other. Taiwan’s claim to Taiping Island, which island Philippines downgraded from “island” to “rock”in Arbitration proceedings, further complicates the issue.
China has reclaimed 3000 acres of new land on the features it controls in the Spratly Islands. Vietnam is accused of the same in Southwest Cay, Sin Cowe Island and West Reef. Both refuse to heed any international call to island building.
The Asia-Pacific is important to India’s security concerns and maritime security. A welcome dialogue was recently held in New Delhi with participation of experts from US, India, National Institute for South China Sea Studies, Institute of Africa-Pacific Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Naval Research Institute of Chinese PLA Navy.
Maritime challenges, naval cooperation and multi-lateral engagement were discussed. India is a proponent of free navigation in the South China Sea.
South China Sea is classified as a marginal sea, part of Pacific Ocean, between Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan, around 3.5 million sq km. The major islands are Fiery Cross reef, Scarborough Shoal, and Taiping Islands. There are hundreds of islands, collectively archipelago here. Its importance lies in the fact that 1/3rd of world’s shipping sails through the waters and huge oil and gas reserves lie embedded beneath its sea-bed. It is the second most used sea lane in the world, and over 50% of world’s merchandise passes through the Straits of Malacca, Sunda and Lombok.
The Europeans used it as a sea route from Europe to South Asia to trading opportunities in China. Early chronicles of Western Zhow dynasty (1046-771 BCE) call it Nangfang Hai, and in South-east Asia it was called the Champa Sea after the Kingdom of Champa before 16th Century.
Disputes
- Indonesia, China and Taiwan over waters of NE of Natuna Islands
- Vietnam, China and Taiwan over waters west of the Spratly Islands
- Paracel Islands disputed between China, Vietnam, and Taiwan
- Areas of Gulf of Thailand between Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam
- Strait of Johore and Strait of Singapore between Singapore and Malayasia
UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines ‘the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.’ (Wikipedia).
The Indian initiative to have the issue settled as per international laws is a welcome one!