South China Sea

Question 1

[SCS] What UN convention are China’s actions in the South China violating

Answer 1

UNCLOS (UN Convention for the Law of the Sea)

Question 2

[SCS] What are China’s actions?

Answer 2

• Claiming and putting infrastructure on islands in the South China Sea
• Building islands in the South China Sea to claim and put infrastructure on
• Although publicly denying it, building military infrastructure on some islands and patrolling the water with military vessels
• Extending the Chinese border

Question 3

[SCS] How do Chinese actions in the region serve their interests? (3 ways)

Answer 3

1. Gives control over strategically important trade routes
2. The region is rich with oil and fishing resources
   a. Gives Chinese fishermen a competitive advantage
   b. Benefits Chinese economy which imports oil from Russia
3. Puts pressure on other countries
   a. Establishes a pecking order in the region. Neighbours
   effected are also being bought off by the BRI (Phillipines,
   Vietnam). China is firmly in charge.

Question 4

How have Chinese actions impacted Xi’s image?

Answer 4

• Internally, the combination with BRI, crackdown on Uyghur terrorism support a state approved image of Machiavellian ruler with Chinese interests at heart.
• Perhaps contributing to his capability to lead for a third term (confirmed as of October 17 2022)
• Externally, contributes to Xi’s image as ambitious calculated risk taker, willing to oppress + use force to achieve his goals. Similar machiavellian image, although in a more negative light
• Provides severe disincentive to anyone who wants to pursue interests in competition with China, demonstrates his willingness to bend rules, and Chinese capability to go over the UN and other IO’s.