SOUTH CHINA SEA

Dispute in this region is mainly based on maritime and island claims between different sovereign states.

Parties involved

China, Brunei, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia
Chinese claims in South China Sea described as Nine-dash lines (Originally eleven-dashed-lines) first indicated by Kuomintang Govt of Republic of China – 1947.
People’s Republic of China (Communist Party of China) revised and adopted it as Nine-dash-line
Geneva Accords 1954 gave South Vietnam control of territories south of 17th Parallel, which included Paracels and Spratlys. North Vietnam supported China’s claims while South Vietnam had control over it.

Causes

Main cause – claim of different territories over the Sea and Territorial demarcation of the sea
Major source of natural resources.
Source of 10% of country’s fishery – essential source of food
Claims on islands and rocks – hinders trade through the waterways, which as it may lead to seizing of ships.
Overlap of EEZ

Effects

Disruption of trade and economic activities as it is a vital trade route (20% – 30% of total volume of global trade)
Diversion of goods destined to US (West coast) and Asia from Europe, Middle East and Africa around South of Australia. This would add shipping cost.
Disputes between the contesting countries will create a security threat for other nations.

India’s role

Urged the contending parties to resolve the dispute through peaceful means and follow international law including UNCLOS.
Affirmed the importance of safeguarding maritime security in South China Sea as Malacca Strait opens to South China Sea.

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