Global Systems & Governance - The South China Sea - Unequal power relations

Question 1

Why are there military bases in the south china sea and who owns them?

Answer 1

• China is building artificial islands by dumping sand onto coral reefs - willing to defend its claim with force
• US regularly send military ships and planes to ensure access to key shipping and air routes

Question 2

Why are some countries interested in the South China Sea?

Answer 2

• Major shipping route and vital trade artery (21% of global trade)
• Rich fishing grounds
• More than half of the world’s fishing vessels operate in this area

Question 3

What is the nine dash line?

Answer 3

• The line comprises of nine dashes which extend hundreds of miles south and east from China’s most southerly province of Hainan.
• In 1947, China issued a map, detailing its claims, and insists history backs up its claims – Beijing says its right to the area goes back centuries to when the Paracel and Spratly Island chains were regarded as integral parts of the Chinese nation.
• Vietnam hotly disputes China’s historical account, saying China has never claimed sovereignty over the islands before the 1940s. Vietnam says it has actively ruled over both the Paracels and the Spratly’s since the 17th century – and has documents to prove it.

Question 4

What is UNCLOS?

Answer 4

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;

• Came into force in 1994
• International treaty that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.
• 169 states and the EU are parties
• High Seas treaty added in 2023 - outside of Exclusive Economic Zone (200 nautical miles)

Question 5

What is ASEAN?

Answer 5

Association of Southeast Asian Nations:

• Aimed to accelerate economic growth and promote peace and security in southeast Asia
• Region has population of more than 700 sqmiles
• One of the developing world’s most successful economic cooperation zones