The Chinese military, following joint war games by the United States (and its allies), began “routine” patrols, which it called in the South China Sea. Tensions have risen in these contested waters. This latest development underscores the continuing disputes in this region over maritime and territorial rights.
Sovereignty Claims & International Law: The Heart of the Matter
China’s claims to the South China Sea have been a source of dispute for many years. The claims of China and neighboring countries, including the Philippines, an important treaty ally for the United States, overlap. The Philippines recently had to deal with the Chinese Coast Guard, near Zambales – a province of the island Luzon. It is about the interpretation and the application of international law and specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in relation to maritime borders and exclusive economic zone.
The U.S. Military has been engaged in training and exercises in the South China Sea throughout February with allies from around the world, including Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the Philippines. This exercise involved bombers, naval assets and focused on the U.S. commitment to allies as well as freedom of movement in the area. This military presence is an important factor influencing geopolitical dynamics of the South China Sea
China’s Stand: Historic Rights vs. International Rulings
Tian Junli – spokesperson for China’s Southern Theater Command – asserted China has “indisputable”, maritime sovereignty in the South China Sea. History and law support this claim. China, historically, has claimed “historic rights”, stating that it was first to explore and chart the seas. In 2016, a ruling of an international tribunal rejected definitively these claims to sovereignty. It stated that they had no legal basis in international law. This decision remains at the heart of the debate.
Tian Junli accused the Philippines as well of inviting external powers to participate in joint patrols. He claimed that such a strategy was intended to cover up infringements to China’s maritime right and to disrupt peace and stability within the region. These accusations are indicative of the increasing diplomatic tensions that exist in the South China Sea.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines responded by announcing a “Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities” with U.S. forces and Canadians within their 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. However, earlier in February, destroyers from the United States and Australia as well as an offshore patrol ship from the United Kingdom and United Kingdom participated in combined exercises. The U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Australia also conducted a joint exercise in the South China Sea earlier this month.
Statements reflecting divergent perspectives
Tian Junli was the spokesperson for China’s Southern Theater Command.
“The [People’s Liberation Army] Southern Theater Command continues to be on high alert. They are fully committed in defending China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and any military action that could disrupt the South China Sea. “This shows China’s intention to firmly defend its perceived interests.
In a recent press release, the U.S. Navy stressed:
As a symbol of our common commitment to international law, the U.S. Navy frequently operates with our allies throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is a statement of commitment to international maritime law.
Armed Forces of the Philippines articulated a position.
“This [Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity] This declaration “underscores our collective commitment in safeguarding the freedom of navigation and the legal use of the air and sea, while honoring maritime and other rights as stipulated by international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.” The declaration emphasizes the commitment to maintain freedom of navigation in accordance with international law
The Future: Military activity and unresolved disputes
Due to the deeply rooted territorial and marine disagreements, there is a high probability that both the United States and China will maintain their military presence in the South China Sea. Lack of clarity in the resolution of conflicting claims indicates that these patterns are likely to continue, which could have implications for regional and international stability. Future success depends heavily on the diplomatic effort and mechanisms that aim to deescalate tensions and promote peaceful solutions.