Question 1

Question

Use information from this lesson to identify how natural resources are being used to
cause conflict in the South China Sea. Conduct research online to locate at least three
primary or secondary sources that describe the current territorial dispute in the South
China Sea. Be sure that at least one of your sources uses GIS data to illustrate the
types and locations of this region's resources. Identify which resources are being
disputed, who is involved, and what is being done. Then, critique the actions of
different nations by evaluating the information you find online. Finally, take a stance
and give your opinion, using evidence from your sources to describe an action plan
that should be taken to solve the dispute.
Record your answers below.
Search online for at least three reputable sources that describe the territorial
disputes occurring in the South China Sea. Summarize in your own words the
nature of the conflict, then provide the links to your sources.
Description of the conflict,
including who is involved,
what resources are being
disputed, and what is
being done.
Links to three sources

Answer 1

Description of the Conflict

The South China Sea is a strategically significant region rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and fisheries, which has led to territorial disputes among several nations, notably China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. The conflict primarily revolves around overlapping claims to islands, reefs, and maritime boundaries, particularly concerning the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands.

China claims extensive rights over almost the entire South China Sea, based on the "nine-dash line," which is not recognized by international law. This claim has led to increasing tensions, as nations like Vietnam and the Philippines also assert their rights over parts of these waters, often based on historical claims and international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In recent years, the situation has deteriorated, with militarization of the islands by China and increased naval patrols by the United States to uphold freedom of navigation principles. Diplomatic efforts have been made, but resolution remains elusive, with confrontations occurring between fishing fleets and military vessels of the involved countries.

Links to Three Sources

1. Source 1: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) - “What’s at Stake in the South China Sea?”

   • This article provides a detailed overview of the geopolitical implications of the South China Sea, the involved countries, and what resources are contested. It highlights the importance of the sea for shipping routes and fishing grounds.
   • Link: CSIS Article

2. Source 2: BBC News - “South China Sea: What’s at Stake?”

   • This source outlines the nature of the dispute, detailing the claims of the various nations involved and the strategic and economic resources at play. The BBC also discusses military developments in the region.
   • Link: BBC Article

3. Source 3: The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) - “GIS Data on the South China Sea”

   • This source uses GIS data to illustrate the locations of various maritime claims and the resources beneath the sea. It provides an interactive map that shows oil and gas deposits, fishing zones, and military installations.
   • Link: AMTI GIS Data

Critique of Actions by Different Nations

• China: China's assertive posture, including island-building and military deployments, has escalated tensions. This heavy militarization may protect its claims but has also drawn international condemnation and increased the likelihood of confrontations with other nations.

• Vietnam and the Philippines: These nations have been more restrained but have sought international support, such as from the United States, to counter China's claims. While Vietnam has occasionally taken a harder stance by conducting oil exploration in disputed waters, diplomatic efforts are often coupled with calls for multilateral dialogues.

• United States: The U.S. has maintained a strong presence in the region, conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge China's expansive claims. These operations are vital for maintaining international maritime law but risk further exacerbating tensions.

Stance and Action Plan

In my opinion, a multi-faceted approach should be adopted to resolve the conflict. This includes:

1. Multilateral Dialogues: Nations should engage in inclusive, formal negotiations that not only involve the claimants but also external stakeholders like ASEAN and international maritime organizations to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions.

2. Joint Resource Management: Establishing a framework for co-managing the disputed resources, especially fisheries and undersea resources, could lead to mutual benefits and reduce motivations for conflict.

3. Increased International Monitoring: Employing third-party organizations to monitor resource exploitation and ensure compliance with international laws may prevent unilateral actions that exacerbate tensions.

4. Confidence-Building Measures: Encouraging joint military exercises and communication channels between the military forces of China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the U.S. could deescalate incidents at sea and build trust.

By fostering goodwill, cooperation on resource management, and adherence to international law, the nations of the South China Sea may find a path to peaceful resolutions that benefit all parties involved.