South China Sea: Importance and Disputes

 

South China Sea.

 

The South China Sea is a semi-enclosed area measuring 3.6 million square kilometer in the Pacific Ocean.

 

It spreads from Straits of Malacca and Karimata to Taiwan straits and is bordered in the north by China and Taiwan, the Philippines in the east, Brunei and Malaysia in the south, and Vietnam in the west.

 

It contains numerous islands, rocks and reefs. Major ones being Spartley islands, Paracel islands, Pratas and Natuna islands and the Scarborough shoal.

 

SCS: Importance

 

The area is believed to contain rich reserves of oil, natural gas, minerals and fishery stocks.

 

The region is considered to be a centre of future economic growth in East Asia and is also sometimes called a “second Persian Gulf”.

 

Major sea routes of shipping pass through this area.

 

The strategic location and the abundant resources make it a subject of interest and concern for littoral states and the international community.

 

SCS: Disputes

 

The security issues around it always remain in focus and it is considered to be one of the flashpoints.

 

The South China Sea disputes are regarded as one of the most complex and challenging ocean-related maritime disputes in East Asia, involving both islands and maritime claims among sovereign states.

 

The underlying problem is the claim of overlapping areas by different countries, involving China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan. They all claim that they own the sovereignty of the islands or islets, reefs and / or resources.

 

The traditional high seas freedoms of navigation and over flights are also at stake in the dynamics of SCS, making the issue even more complex with involvement of extra regional and other major powers including United States.

 

Due to the number of claimants and the complexity of claims, it is   called the “mother of all territorial disputes”.

 

China is by far the biggest country in the region and claims sovereignty over almost all the South China Sea. The region has become a flashpoint for tensions between China and other nations which claim sovereignty over two largely uninhabited island chains, the Paracels and the Spratlys. China claims the largest portion of territory, saying its rights go back to centuries.

 

SCS Disputes: Recent Status

 

Recently it has become the locus of disputes that have the potential of escalating into serious international conflicts. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) have been on the rise. This is mainly for China’s continued assertive actions and for the sharp deterioration in US-China relations over China’s massive territorial claims in the SCS. 

 

Coming UP: Analysis of various aspects related to SCS Disputes

 

Comments and value additions are most welcome

 

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References:

  1. https://scroll.in/article/968918/how-did-the-south-china-sea-dispute-begin-and-where-is-it-headed
  2. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53397673
  3. https://www.lowyinstitute.org/issues/south-china-sea
  4. https://www.peacepalacelibrary.nl/library-special/south-china-sea-territorial-disputes/
  5. https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-china-sea-dispute
  6. https://www.straight.com/news/khalid-zaka-a-summary-of-south-china-sea-conflict
  7. The Politics of South China Sea Disputes, book by Nehginpao Kipgen

LEARNING FROM BUDDHA

On 26 May 21 was Buddha Jayanti – 2853rd birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.

Buddha was born a rich prince who at the age of 30 renounced all his worldly possessions including his princedom.  He attained enlightenment and preached dharma (duty), nonviolence, harmony and kindness for 45 years. His teachings became the foundation of Buddhism which is the fourth largest religion in the world today. He was considered to be an enlightened teacher rather than a god.

Buddha’s teachings were put to writing in 400 BC. Buddha’s words of wisdom on a number of broad topics have stood the test of time. His quotes are characterised by their precision, profoundness, and pragmatism. My favourite ones (very relevant even in present day scenario) are as follows:

 

On Living

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

 

 

On Happiness

Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely relies on what you think.

 

 

On Spreading Happiness

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

 

 

On Action

“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”

 

 

On Anger

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”

 

 

On Health

“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”

 

“To keep the body in good health is a duty … otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

 

 

On Perseverance

“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.”

 

 

On Change

“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.”

 

 

 On Controlling your Mind

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”

 

 

 Last two are most relevant in today’s age of social media

 

“People with opinions just go around bothering one another.”

 

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

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