• Philippine forces practiced retaking an island in the South China Sea in the first such combat exercise in the disputed waters as Chinese navy ships kept watch from a distance.

• In the exercise, a Philippine navy frigate approached Loaita Island, which the Philippines calls Kota Island, while four speedboats with marines and navy sailors landed on its beach. A Philippine Air Force aircraft later dropped food and other supplies to the forces that retook the island.

• There were no immediate comments from Chinese officials, but they have opposed past war drills in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety.

• The long-seething territorial disputes that also involve other claimants are a delicate fault line in the US-China rivalry in Asia and likely will remain a major foreign policy concern for the next American president.

• China has rapidly expanded its military and become increasingly assertive in pursuing territorial claims in the South China Sea. The tensions have led to more frequent confrontations, primarily with the Philippines and Vietnam, though the Chinese coast guard has had recent territorial tiffs with Indonesia and Malaysia.

Geographical Overview

Location: The South China Sea is bordered by several countries:

• North: China and Taiwan

• West: The Indo-Chinese peninsula, which includes Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore

• South: Indonesia and Brunei

• East: The Philippines (referred to as the West Philippine Sea)

Connections: It is linked to the East China Sea via the Taiwan Strait and to the Philippine Sea through the Luzon Strait.

Trade Importance

Significant Trade Route: The South China Sea is one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. In 2016, approximately $3.37 trillion worth of trade passed through this region, highlighting its vital role in global commerce.

Global Shipping Statistics:

• About 80 per cent of global trade by volume and 70 per cent by value is transported by sea.

• About 60 per cent of this trade moves through Asia, with one-third of global shipping navigating the South China Sea.

Economic Reliance:

• China: As the world’s second-largest economy, 64 per cent of its trade passes through the South China Sea.

• India: Relies on this sea for approximately 55 per cent of its trade.

• United States: Only 14 per cent of the US trade traverses these waters, indicating a lesser reliance compared to China.

Fishing Resources:

The South China Sea is a rich fishing ground, providing essential livelihoods and food security for millions in the region. The disputes over territorial waters significantly affect fishing rights and resources, impacting local communities and economies.

Major Disputes in the South China Sea:

The disputes in the South China Sea are primarily driven by overlapping territorial claims over various islands, reefs, and their associated waters. 

1) Territorial Claims

The major claimants in the South China Sea disputes include:

• China

• Vietnam

• Philippines

• Malaysia

• Taiwan

The heart of the dispute involves claims to:

• Spratly Islands

• Paracel Islands

• Pratas Islands

• Natuna Islands

• Scarborough Shoal

As many as 70 reefs and islets are under contention, with multiple countries building over 90 outposts on these disputed features.

2) China’s Claims

• Nine-Dash Line: China asserts sovereignty over up to 90 per cent of the South China Sea based on its “nine-dash line” map, which encompasses a vast area and overlaps with claims from other nations.

• Military Expansion: China has engaged in extensive dredging and artificial island-building, particularly in the Paracel and Spratly Islands, creating approximately 3,200 acres of new land since 2013. This includes the construction of military installations to reinforce its control over the area.

• Scarborough Shoal Control: China maintains a constant Coast Guard presence around the Scarborough Shoal, further asserting its claims despite competing claims from the Philippines.

3) Regional Tensions

• The ongoing territorial disputes have led to heightened tensions in the region, affecting diplomatic relations and security dynamics. Incidents involving naval encounters, fishing rights disputes, and military posturing have escalated the risk of conflict among claimant nations.

• The South China Sea represents a complex and contentious arena where geopolitical interests, economic considerations, and national sovereignty converge. 

• The ongoing disputes not only impact the claimant countries but also have broader implications for regional security, global trade routes, and international relations. Efforts toward resolution will require diplomacy, adherence to international law, and cooperation among the involved nations to address the underlying issues effectively.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)