Sidra Tariq
Sidra Tariq is Assistant Research Officer at the Institute of Regional Studies.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: South China Sea(SCS), territorial claims, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Taiwan, cow’s tongue, Chinese stance, legal issues, international dispute settlement systems
Abstract
Aside from the issue of defending one’s territorial sovereignty, much of the stakeholder interest in the South China Sea stems from its global status as a maritime superhighway, abundant energy deposits, abundant marine resources, and military bases, all of which are at stake in the increasingly frequent diplomatic clashes. Although the US is not a party to any of the conflicts, the Obama Administration’s “re-balance” toward the Asia-Pacific has raised America’s image in the area at a time when many regional powers are attempting to avoid China’s growing influence. China is fighting to keep a vast territory that stretches almost all the way down to Indonesia. Taiwan meets such criteria, but because to its limited position on the world stage, it rarely pursues them openly. Vietnam claims the Paracel and Spratly Islands, while the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei all have claims that overlap with China’s over the islands and other geological features. This article investigates a variety of difficulties that may lead South East Asian countries, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines, into confrontation with China over the South China Sea. It focuses on the consequences of regional reactions to China’s actions. Furthermore, it analyses the subject from the standpoint of international law and delves into the complexities involved, particularly with regard to the multiple claims in the South China Sea.There are several key legal issues involved in the territorial claims, and all contenders present conflicting historical and legal evidences that, according to them establish their ownership of the different islands. None of the international dispute settlement systems can be used without the assent and cooperation of the parties involved, which have so far been lacking.
First Published
June 25, 2014
How to Cite
Sidra Tariq, “The South China Sea: A New International Hotspot,” Regional Studies 32, no.3 (Summer 2014): 3-50, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/the-south-china-sea-a-new-international-hotspot/
Issue
Volume 32, Issue 3