CASE STUDY - The South China Sea Dispute

Question 1

Why is China laying territorial claims to the South China Sea Dispute?

Answer 1

The South China sea provides a trade route for oil and gas tankers (relied upon for energy security by China).

Question 2

How has China exerted their power in the South China Sea?

Answer 2

• China claims the ‘nine dash line’ and 80% of the sea based on historic rights, completely disregarding the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.
• China claim territory by stating the Spratly Islands chain is a part of the continental shelf.

Question 3

What have the Philippines done to reassert their power?

Answer 3

Placed flags on islands in the South China Sea.

Question 4

What have the Philippines done to reassert their power?

Answer 4

Placed flags on islands in the South China Sea.

Question 5

What is the UNLOS and the UNLOS Maritime Zones?

Answer 5

The United Nations Law Of the Sea sets out exclusive economic zones of 200 miles which are enforced to ensure fair trade and resource exploitation.

Question 6

What was the UNCLOS ruling on the conflict between Philippines and China in 2016?

Answer 6

The Philippines took China to a UNCLOS tribunal which ruled in favour of the Philippines as the 9 dash line was dismissed.

Question 7

Did the UNCLOS tribunal ruling cause any change in the future?

Answer 7

No - China have refused to accept the UNCLOS ruling but dealing with international issues on a 1 to 1 basis. Also, the UN Security Council failed to sanction China as China are involved in the council.

Question 8

How has Britain responded to China’s resistance to the UNCLOS ruling?

Answer 8

The British Navy had the HMS Queen Elizabeth patrolling in 2022.

Question 9

What does the South China Sea case study tell us about geopolitics?

Answer 9

Countries with power and economic influence are able to exploit their position to establish a strategic advantage over other countries.

Question 10

Give 3 examples of why the South China Sea is so important.

Answer 10

• The South China Sea delivers 12% of the global fishing catch, worth over $21 billion per year
• The sea provides the link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans for trade routes ($5 trillion in trade per year)
• Estimated 125 billion barrels of oil in the Sea