China's Strident Claim to 90% of the South China Sea

Historical Roots of the Dispute

China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea stem from historical records dating back centuries. In 1947, the Chinese Nationalist government published a map known as the “Eleven-Dash Line,” which unilaterally proclaimed China’s sovereignty over approximately 90% of the South China Sea. This assertion has been the foundation of Beijing’s maritime strategy ever since.

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Legal Underpinnings of the Nine-Dash Line

China’s claim to the South China Sea is based on the following key legal arguments:

Historical Continuity: China maintains that its sovereignty over the South China Sea has been recognized for centuries, particularly through the exercise of fishing and navigation rights.
Indispensable Connection: Beijing claims that the South China Sea is an integral part of China’s territory, both geographically and historically.

International Resistance and Challenges

Despite China’s extensive claim, other countries in the region, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, have disputed its sovereignty. They argue that the Nine-Dash Line has no legal basis and violates their own territorial waters.

Military Buildup and Escalation of Tensions

In recent years, China has significantly increased its military presence in the South China Sea. It has built artificial islands, installed military facilities, and conducted military exercises. This has raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community about China’s intentions and the potential for conflict.

Economic Importance of the South China Sea

The South China Sea is a vital global trade route, home to rich fishing grounds, and possesses significant hydrocarbon reserves. It is estimated that over $3 trillion worth of trade passes through the region annually. Control of the South China Sea would give China a strategic advantage in terms of economic and military influence.

China's Strident Claim to 90% of the South China Sea

Regional Security Implications

The South China Sea dispute has profound implications for regional security. It has the potential to create instability, trigger conflict, and undermine the balance of power in East Asia.

Steps Towards Resolution

Efforts to resolve the South China Sea dispute have included:

ASEAN-China Dialogue: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has engaged with China in dialogue to address the issue.
Code of Conduct Negotiation: ASEAN and China are currently negotiating a Code of Conduct to establish rules and guidelines for the South China Sea.

The Importance of the South China Sea

The South China Sea is a matter of vital importance to both China and its neighboring countries. China’s claim to the majority of the sea is based on its interpretation of history and international law. However, this claim has been challenged by other countries in the region. The South China Sea is a major shipping route, and it is believed to contain significant oil and gas reserves. Its strategic location makes it a key area for military control.

Pain Points for China

China’s claim to the South China Sea is not without its challenges. The country has been accused of using aggressive tactics to assert its presence in the region. This has led to tensions with other countries, and it has raised concerns about the possibility of conflict.

Motivation for China

China’s main motivation for claiming the South China Sea is to secure its access to the sea’s resources. China is dependent on imported oil and gas, and the South China Sea is believed to contain significant reserves of both. China also sees the South China Sea as a strategic buffer zone, which would protect its coastline from potential threats.

Benefits of China’s Claim

Economic benefits: Control of the South China Sea would give China access to the sea’s vast resources, including fisheries, oil, and gas.
Military benefits: Control of the South China Sea would give China a strategic advantage in the region. China could use the sea to project power and to deter potential threats.
Political benefits: China’s claim to the South China Sea is a symbol of its growing economic and military power. It is also a way for China to assert itself as a regional leader.

Why China’s Claim Matters

China’s claim to the South China Sea is a matter of great concern for its neighbors and the international community. The claim has the potential to destabilize the region and to trigger conflict. It is also a threat to the freedom of navigation and to the global economy.

Tips and Tricks for Understanding the Issue

Learn about the history of the South China Sea dispute. This will help you to understand the different claims and perspectives involved.
Read news articles and reports about the dispute. This will help you to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Be aware of the different perspectives on the dispute. There is no easy solution to the South China Sea dispute. It is important to understand the different perspectives involved in order to develop a balanced view of the issue.

Useful Tables

Country	Area Claimed	Basis of Claim
China	90%	Historical records, geographical proximity
Vietnam	30%	Historical records, UNCLOS
Philippines	20%	UNCLOS, traditional fishing rights
Malaysia	10%	UNCLOS, continental shelf