South China Sea, Dispute and possible solution

The Sea holds place as the world’s busiest trade path.

South China Sea has now become a global predicament spot. The Sea is surrounded by the countries: China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei and Taiwan. On its east lies the Pacific Ocean. Apparently, one-third of world trade passes through the South China Sea. Additionally, it contains untapped oil amounting 11 billion US dollars under the under the shores. Most importantly, reserves of natural gas are also reported deep down the Sea. Likewise, this plays a shortest way to connect Indian Ocean with Pacific through Malacca Strait. To sum up, this Sea holds plenty of economic and strategic perks.

Xi Jinping with Philippine President Roberto Duterte

It is not only the reserves of economic and strategic benefits that promise to give to South China Sea. Granted that, it is the home of 200 small islands. Eventually, these islands may find crucial as there is fight ongoing between the powers for superiority in the region. Coupled with all this, there are some disputes among the states regarding the maritime and islands claims.

China and neighboring countries are still at their stance over claims

Disputes

Island Claims

As we noted earlier, South China Sea contains plenty of small Islands e.g. Spartly Island, Paracel Island, Scarborough Island etc.  Chinese Government claims these Islands as the territory of China but countries like Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia have rival claims.

Philippines, a strong ally of United States, raised the issue with Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2013. Furthermore, it took a stance against China, who violated its sovereign rights under the 1988 UNCOS (United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea).

China’s Claim

China claims 80% of South China Sea as a historic country. Since 1980s, it aggressively started claiming the area. China claims the area as 9 dash line which was reduced to 11 dash lines in 1949.

Court Ruling

The court ruling which came in July 2013: rejected Chinese historical claim over the Sea. Additionally, it condemned China on building the artificial Islands in the area, violating the Philippines exclusive economic zone rights and damaging the ecosystem by doing artificial creation of Islands.

Protesters hold placards to denounce China's rejection over court ruling

China’s Reaction

China strongly rebuffed the verdict by saying it invalid and void. China emphasized that PCA has no jurisdiction to hear the case and interfere in the matters of the region as per UNCOS 2006 declaration. Additionally, China put a question mark on the tribunal as it was formed without its consent. Similarly, China accentuated that PCA is a not a court but a governing body.

So the question now arises that what could be the possible solution of this dispute?

Asean: a Platform maybe?

The Asean could play a beneficial role to solve the dispute. Asean is a regional organization who engages states to work collaboratively on economic, social and political terms. Asean members are economic competitors. They just cannot take the dictation of a super power from the other region and start the war with the largest economy of the world. Besides that, their out puts are interlinked with each other through trade and services. Correspondingly, if they want to pressurize China, they will have to stand up straight against Xi Jinping. Despite, the countries do not have technology or system or human material to produce enough at home. Therefore, for the moment, collaboration with China and put China on the negotiation table would be a success for rival parties. Four out of ten Asean members are indulged in this dispute with China. Henceforth, it is the moment for other five members to work comprehensively and put both of the parties on negotiation table.