Context-
In recent years, the maritime regions of East Asia have become battlegrounds of intensified power politics, particularly in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. These areas are crucial not only for regional nations but also for global trade, energy security, and geopolitical stability.
Historical Context
● East China Sea: Sovereignty Disputes
The East China Sea is bordered by several nations, including China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Central to the conflict is the dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, which Japan currently administers but which China claims as its territory. Historical incidents, such as the 2010 arrest of a Chinese fishing captain by Japanese authorities and Japan’s nationalization of the Senkaku Islands in 2012, have exacerbated tensions. These disputes have led to heightened military presence and increased naval activities in the area.
● South China Sea: A Flashpoint
The South China Sea is situated between China, Taiwan, and several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Indonesia. It has emerged as a critical flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific region, with China aggressively asserting its territorial claims through military and paramilitary activities. The stakes are high, given the sea's strategic importance for international shipping routes and rich natural resources.
● Economic and Strategic Significance
The East and South China Seas are vital maritime trade routes, with a significant portion of the world’s shipping passing through these waters. The Taiwan Strait, in particular, is a crucial choke point. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 10 billion barrels of petroleum and 6.7 trillion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas transit through the South China Sea annually. Additionally, the region is rich in untapped oil and natural gas reserves, making it economically significant.
China views its claims over the East and South China Seas as integral to its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. The 2019 Defence White Paper emphasizes that both the South China Sea islands and the Diaoyu Islands are inalienable parts of Chinese territory. Beijing argues that its actions—such as building infrastructure and deploying military capabilities—are defensive in nature. This narrative is positioned against what it perceives as external interference and provocations from regional adversaries.
Chinese Activities in the Region
● Infrastructure and Military Expansion
China has taken a multi-faceted approach to assert its claims, focusing on both infrastructure development and aggressive maritime tactics. In the South China Sea, China has constructed artificial islands, military installations, and airstrips. The deployment of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia has become increasingly prominent, often engaging in aggressive encounters with vessels from neighboring countries.
Chinese tactics have evolved into what are termed 'grey zone' operations, which are designed to assert dominance without escalating to full-scale military conflict. These include harassment of resupply missions, dangerous maneuvers at sea, and the use of military-grade lasers and water cannons against foreign vessels. Such activities create a high risk of miscalculation that could lead to open conflict.
|
Recent tensions have surged between China and the Philippines, particularly concerning the Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal. The Philippines has sought to resupply a grounded ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, but these missions have repeatedly faced disruptions from Chinese vessels. This ongoing standoff illustrates the challenges faced by the Philippines in asserting its claims in the face of Chinese aggression. |
Regional Responses to Chinese Assertiveness
● Military Buildup and Defence Spending
In response to China's growing assertiveness, regional countries are bolstering their military capabilities. Increased defense spending is evident across the Indo-Pacific, with Japan planning to double its defense budget by 2027. Similarly, the Philippines is enhancing its defense capabilities, including acquiring advanced weaponry such as BrahMos anti-ship missiles from India.
● Shift in Diplomatic Strategies
The Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has shifted its policy towards a more confrontational stance against Chinese incursions, contrasting with the previous administration's approach of minimizing friction. This new strategy includes publicizing incidents involving Chinese vessels and engaging international media to shape public perceptions and garner global support.
● Strengthening Alliances with the U.S.
The Philippines, Japan, and South Korea, all treaty allies of the United States, are increasingly collaborating on defense initiatives. U.S.-Philippines cooperation in the South China Sea has reached "historic levels," involving expanded base access, training, and joint exercises. The U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to defend its allies, including its stance on the Senkaku Islands, which are considered part of Japan's territory.
U.S. Involvement: A Complex Dynamics
The United States is deeply invested in the security of the Indo-Pacific region, viewing the balance of power as critical to its national interests. American involvement is framed as a counterbalance to China's rising influence and assertiveness. The U.S. supports the freedom of navigation and adherence to international law, often conducting freedom of navigation operations to challenge China's expansive claims.
Despite its commitments, questions persist regarding U.S. credibility and its capacity to respond to threats in the region. Domestic political considerations in the U.S. could impact its foreign policy and security commitments. Moreover, debates continue about whether U.S. engagement serves to balance Chinese power or inadvertently fuels tensions.
The current trajectory of tensions poses significant risks of escalation. The power asymmetry between China and regional claimant countries continues to grow, increasing the likelihood of miscalculations that could lead to conflict. The presence of advanced military assets and aggressive tactics by China raises alarms for neighboring nations.
● Potential for Conflict Resolution
While the situation remains precarious, there is potential for diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution. Regional countries may find common ground in strengthening multilateral frameworks and engaging in dialogue to address disputes. Collaborative efforts focused on economic development and resource management could also provide avenues for reducing tensions.
● The Role of International Norms
International law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), remains a critical framework for addressing maritime disputes. Continued advocacy for adherence to international norms by the U.S. and its allies could serve to reinforce legal claims against China’s expansive territorial assertions.
The tensions in the East and South China Seas encapsulate a complex interplay of national interests, historical grievances, and geopolitical ambitions. As regional countries respond to China’s assertive actions, the risk of conflict looms large. However, proactive diplomatic engagement and adherence to international norms could pave the way for a more stable and secure maritime environment in the years to come.
|
Probable Questions for UPSC Mains Exam- 1. How do the recent actions of the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea illustrate the challenges faced by the Philippines in asserting its territorial claims? (10 Marks,150 words) 2. What measures are regional countries, particularly Japan and the Philippines, taking to counter China's assertive maritime policies, and how do these measures affect their relationships with the United States? (15 Marks,250 Words) |
Source- The Hindu
