SOUTH CHINA SEA BORDERS – CRISIS SITUATION

The modern world as we know it has many growing and lasting issues, one of which would surely be the competition for natural gas. In the midst of China’s growing power, this competition reached its peak in the South China Sea. This region is highly contested by powers both far and near. The security situation deteriorates seemingly without end, as powers build up their forces in the region.

The reamerging of China to the international stage as one of the main players came with its benefits and security/military conflicts. One of them being the South China Sea, raises a serious  international law discussion. You can’t be a leader in you region and still have the love of your neighbours. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines claim their part. Stage is set for a conflict to emerge.

According China’s interpretation of the international law, foreign militaries are not in the right to pursue military-intelligence activities in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). United States of America feels differently - under the Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), every country that claims certain territory should have freedom of navigation through economic zone without notifying other interested countries.

China took direct action to back its claim in the region by physically reclaiming land by increasing the size of islands or even constructing completely new islands. On the islands China stationed military personnel and equipment, specifically in the Paracel and Spratly Islands. In some islands China even deployed anti-ship missiles and satellite technology.

Japan’s arms in the hands of Vietnamese and Filipino soldiers is a mere symbol of international interest in this burning conflict. Russia’s both seen and unseen support to the People’s Republic of China also indicates that this problem will not be solved without a consensus of the International community.

          
  * The question is – who will prevail? 

       * Will there be unexpected economic crisis or perhaps a military conflict? 

       * SCCC will try to give answers to these questions and much more.