OVERVIEW OF THE EAST CHINA SEA AND SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTES:
- The East China Sea dispute primarily revolves around the sovereignty of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands, administered by Japan but claimed by China. This dispute also involves overlapping maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) between China and Japan.
- In the South China Sea, several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei, have competing claims over islands and waters. China asserts extensive sovereignty over the area marked by its “nine-dash line.”
KEY PLAYERS INVOLVED
- East China Sea: China and Japan are the primary disputants over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands.
- South China Sea: The main claimants include China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. The United States plays a significant role in maintaining freedom of navigation and supporting regional allies.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SEAS
- Strategic Importance: The East and South China Seas are crucial for global trade routes. The South China Sea is particularly important as it facilitates significant world trade and contains critical maritime passages like the Taiwan Strait. Due to their geographic location, these seas also hold strategic military value.
- Economic Value: Both seas are rich in natural resources. The South China Sea is estimated to have 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Additionally, these waters are vital fishing grounds, contributing significantly to regional economies.
CHINA’S CLAIMS AND ACTIONS
- China’s Territorial Assertions: China claims sovereignty over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea and nearly all of the South China Sea within its “nine-dash line“. These claims are based on historical assertions and are contested by neighboring countries.
- Infrastructure Development: China has engaged in extensive infrastructure development in these regions, including building artificial islands with military installations such as ports, airstrips, and radar systems in the South China Sea’s Paracel and Spratly Islands.
- Maritime Activities: China conducts regular coast guard patrols and naval exercises to assert its claims. Chinese law enforcement vessels in the East China Sea frequently operate near the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. China’s activities in the South China Sea include deploying coast guard ships that engage in aggressive maneuvers against other claimants’ vessels.
SPECIFIC FLASH POINTS
EAST CHINA SEA
- Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Dispute with Japan: The Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands are a group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, controlled by Japan but claimed by China. The dispute over these islands has been a longstanding issue between the two nations, with both asserting historical and legal claims to the territory.
- Recent Developments and Tensions: In recent years, the Chinese Coast Guard has seen increased activity around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, leading to heightened tensions between China and Japan. In 2023, there was a notable increase in the Chinese Coast Guard presence in the area, which Japan views as provocative.
SOUTH CHINA SEA
- China’s “Nine-Dash Line” Claim: China’s “nine-dash line” is a demarcation used to assert its claims over approximately 90% of the South China Sea. This claim overlaps with the territorial waters of several Southeast Asian countries and lacks a clear legal definition under international law.
- Conflicts with Philippines, Vietnam, and Other Claimants: China’s expansive claims have led to conflicts with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, who also claim parts of the South China Sea based on international law and historical usage. The Philippines, for instance, has contested China’s claims through international arbitration.
- Recent Incidents and Escalations: Recent incidents include China’s aggressive maritime activities such as ramming vessels, using water cannons, and deploying its Coast Guard to assert control over disputed areas like Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. These actions have led to increased tensions with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam.
REGIONAL RESPONSES
- Increased Defense Spending by Neighboring Countries: Countries in the region, such as Japan and the Philippines, have increased their defense spending in response to China’s assertive actions. Japan aims to double its defense budget by 2027, while the Philippines is enhancing its military capabilities through acquisitions like BrahMos missiles from India.
- Diplomatic Efforts and Legal Challenges: The Philippines has pursued legal avenues to challenge China’s claims, notably winning a case at an international tribunal in 2016 that invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” under international law. Other countries have engaged in diplomatic efforts to counter China’s influence.
- Strengthening Alliances with the United States: Regional countries have strengthened their alliances with the United States to counterbalance China’s growing power. The U.S. has increased military cooperation with allies like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines through joint exercises and expanded base access.
INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT
- S. Role and Commitments in the Region: The United States plays a significant role in maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and supporting its regional allies against Chinese aggression. The U.S. conducts regular naval patrols and joint military exercises with allies to deter Chinese expansionism.
- Other International Reactions and Concerns: Other countries, including those in ASEAN and beyond, have expressed concerns over China’s actions in the South China Sea. They emphasize the importance of adhering to international law and peacefully resolving disputes to maintain regional stability.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Establishing a Binding Code of Conduct: Develop and implement a binding code of conduct for the South China Sea that governs the behavior of all claimant countries. Setting clear rules for maritime activities would help reduce tensions and prevent conflicts.
- Enhancing Regional Defense Cooperation: Increase defense cooperation among Southeast Asian nations to build a collective security framework that deters unilateral aggressive actions.
- Promoting Joint Resource Development: Encourage joint development agreements for resource exploration and extraction in disputed areas. This would allow claimant countries to share benefits while reducing territorial tensions.
- Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement: Engage in sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful negotiations, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation.
- Supporting Freedom of Navigation Operations: Conduct freedom of navigation operations to ensure open sea lanes and challenge excessive maritime claims that threaten global trade routes.
HOW INDIA CAN NAVIGATE ITS ROLE:
- India can support ASEAN and other stakeholders in drafting and promoting this code of conduct, leveraging its diplomatic relations and emphasizing adherence to international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
- India can enhance its defense ties with countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia through joint military exercises and defense technology sharing. This would strengthen regional security and demonstrate India’s commitment to a stable Indo-Pacific region.
- India can collaborate with like-minded countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, to conduct joint naval patrols that uphold international maritime laws and safeguard trade routes critical to its economy.
- Under its “Act East” policy, India can mediate by hosting multilateral talks and using its historical ties with Southeast Asian nations to foster trust and cooperation.
- India can facilitate dialogue and provide technical expertise for joint ventures, drawing on its experience managing shared resources with neighboring countries.
THE CONCLUSION:
The East and South China Seas have become arenas for intensifying geopolitical competition. China’s assertive claims and actions are met by pushback from regional countries and the U.S. As tensions rise, the risk of miscalculation grows, making diplomatic efforts to manage disputes and establish a code of conduct increasingly urgent.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. 2016
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Examine China’s assertive actions in the East and South China Seas and their implications for regional stability in East Asia. Discuss how countries in the region respond to China’s maritime claims and activities.
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