Making Waves: Recent Developments of the South China Sea Disputes
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Authors
Wei, Chunjuan Nancy
Falzerano, John
Issue Date
2017-03-24
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Disputes , South China Sea , State sovereignty
Alternative Title
Abstract
The rocks of the South China Sea (SCS) are where state sovereignty and geopolitics converge. As observed by many, sovereignty disputes in the SCS entail more than simply who owns what particular geologic and geographic features. They involve shifting rights, shipping lanes, oil and natural gas reserves, the maritime environment, and security. These contested maritime zones have led to significant tensions in the region and raise great concerns for nations using the shipping lanes for international trade. These quarrels are also linked to rising nationalism in every claimant nation. At dispute are both ownership of land features and what rules to apply in resolving the disputes, since rules determine results. Continued tensions have restrained policies among the nations involved, making interactions difficult at times. To further complicate matters, nations have started to reclaim land to expand their control at the expense of others. To more vividly demonstrate how dynamic the “status quo” in the SCS is, this paper surveys the latest developments in the region; analyzes different attitudes and responses of various capitals to actions in the SCS in recent years. Competing interests are investigated to gauge each claimant’s strategies. The complexity of the overlapping claims involved calls for dialogue toward a peaceful diplomatic solution.