China has employed several methods to justify its claims over the South China Sea, which are rooted in historical, legal, and strategic arguments:
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Historical Claims: China asserts that it has historical rights over the South China Sea, citing ancient maps, historical documents, and records of maritime activity by Chinese fishermen and navigators in the region. The "nine-dash line," a demarcation line that encompasses a large part of the South China Sea, is often referenced as a historical claim that dates back to maps from the early 20th century.
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Legal Arguments: China contends that its claims are consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While China supports maritime rights under UNCLOS, it interprets certain provisions in a way that favors its claims over territory and resources in the sea.
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Cultural and Economic Justifications: China argues that the South China Sea is vital to its economy for fisheries and potential fossil fuel reserves. It positions the area as integral to its national security and economic development, emphasizing its need for control over these resources.
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National Sovereignty: China emphasizes its sovereignty and territorial integrity, framing its claims as a matter of national pride and historical justice. This narrative is often reinforced through state-sponsored education and media.
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Countering Foreign Influence: China criticizes the involvement of external powers, such as the United States and its allies, in the South China Sea, portraying it as a violation of its sovereignty. Chinese officials often characterize foreign military presence in the region as a threat to peace and stability.
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Bilateral Relations and Diplomacy: China often seeks to resolve territorial issues through bilateral negotiations with neighboring countries rather than through multilateral frameworks, which it believes provides a more favorable platform for its claims.
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Infrastructure Development: China has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea, asserting that these developments are aimed at enhancing its presence and defense capabilities in the region, which it argues is justified under its historical claims.
These justifications are often met with skepticism and challenge from other countries in the region and the international community, particularly in light of international legal rulings, such as the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling which rejected China's expansive claims based on the "nine-dash line."