CSS Current Affairs | Ways to Solve the Dispute in the South China Sea
The following question of CSS Current Affairs is solved by Fatima Mushtaq under the supervision of Howfiv’s Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs Coaches. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved past paper question is attempted on the pattern taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years, and uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Outline
1-Introduction
2– Understanding the Importance of the South China Sea for the World
3- Decoding the Dispute of the South China Sea
4- Possible Ways to Solve the Existing Dispute in the South China Sea
- ✓ Upholding the Decisions of International Bodies
- ✓ Initiating the Multilateral Negotiations
- ✓Encouraging Conflicted Nations to Utilize International and Regional Mediation
- ✓ Adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS)
- ✓ Promoting Joint Resource Development
4-Critical Analysis
5-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The South China Sea is a remarkable place on the world map. The South China Sea is considered an important route for trade in the world. As the world’s sixty per cent of maritime trade and forty per cent of the world’s trade pass through this route, it has become crucial for regional countries. The Republic of China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam are the main players in the South China Sea. Every regional country, including the United States of America, wants control over it to pursue its interests. In this regard, this issue has caught the attraction of the world’s headlines, gaining momentum day by day. However, this burning issue can be solved in a peaceful way, such as by upholding the nations to utilize international arbitration, raising diplomatic pressure on China, and encouraging nations to utilize international mediation. Therefore, by solving this dispute, they can peacefully perform their trade activities in the South China Sea and can earn fruitful economic outcomes.
Understanding the Importance of the South China Sea for the World
The South China Sea is of immense strategic importance to the world. Geographically, it is crucial for economic activities as the world’s third trade continues from this route. It is considered a main gateway for trade routes to and from Asia. Moreover. The high potential biodiversity and oil reserves make it essential for regional countries. Further, it hosts the shipping lanes, such as the Strait of Malacca, and is a hub for international communication cables and satellite networks. According to the former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, in 2016,
“The South China Sea is a critical waterway for global trade and Commerce.”
Decoding the Dispute of the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a complex dispute among the regional states. The Republic of China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam are the main players in the South China Sea, claiming their rights over territory, resources, and navigation freedom. The Republic of China is the most prominent player that makes claims on the basis of the nine-dash lines. This escalates tensions between China and other regional countries as this dispute has posed a significant threat to global trade, energy security, and regional stability. Similarly, the United States supports the stance of regional states on the basis of Maritime International law and navigation freedom, conducting naval patrols in the South China Sea. On the other hand, China has increased its military activities in the South China Sea and built islands on it, which has raised concerns for regional states. Therefore, despite some efforts, it has become a flashpoint for the world’s countries, threatening regional peace and economic stability.
Possible Ways to Solve the Existing Dispute in the South China Sea
The South China Sea dispute has deteriorated among the claimants’ states; however, by using the multifaceted approach, this dispute can be solved amicably.
- Upholding the Decisions of International Bodies
The calamint nations can solve the South China Sea dispute by upholding the decisions of international bodies. Staying binding with the decisions of the international bodies enhances collaboration and regional peace among state members. For instance, “In the South China Sea, the Arbitral Tribunal has decided the Philippines’ case against China and given the ruling in favour of the Philippines, negating China’s claim of nine-dash line and other activities in Philippine waters. However, China denied it.” Thus, China should stick with the decision of the arbitral tribunal in order to solve this dispute peacefully.
- Initiating the Multilateral Negotiations
The claimants can initiate multilateral negotiations to resolve the South China Sea dispute. In this regard, they can establish mutually acceptable solutions to foster peace and stability in the region. For instance, in 2022, claimants’ countries have agreed to the ‘Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea’ for the promotion of regional stability. This depicts that countries themselves can negotiate to solve any dispute for the sake of regional peace. Therefore, multilateral negotiations can facilitate disputes.
- Encouraging Conflicted Nations to Utilize International and Regional Mediation
The conflicted nations can utilize international mediation to solve the South China Sea dispute. For this purpose, they can request that the international community mediate among them. The United States of America, the European Union, and the regional organization ASEAN can settle this issue by using mediation and arbitration channels. “TheArticle (2) of the ‘ASEAN Declaration Bangkok’,1967, emphasizes the promotion of regional peace and stability.” This highlights that arbitration and mediation can work as a catalyst for solving disputes in the South China Sea. Hence, International Mediation and Arbitration can assist in solving the South China Sea dispute.
- Adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS)
The nations can solve the South China Sea by adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS). The UNCLOS provides the law regarding maritime disputes and guides the nations to solve their disputes accordingly. According to Article 123 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), “The states, having semi-closed Sea, exercise their rights and duties cooperatively.” Thus, by sticking with the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, states can solve their sea dispute.
- Promoting Joint Resource Development
The claimants’ parties can promote joint resource development in the South China Sea in order to resolve the dispute. Jointly extracting resources from the disputed area would ease tension among the conflicted states. For instance, “the Malaysia and Thailand Joint Development Authority manages their oil and gas resources successfully.” Hence, having jointly controlled the disputed area, all parties would be in a win-win situation.
Critical Analysis
The dispute in the South China Sea has become a nightmare for the global world, particularly for the claimants’ parties. It is said it is the next flashpoint for global powers as it is the world’s most significant economic route. Moreover, China has become a global power in terms of economy, and other regional states cannot compete with it, as is evident from the China-Philippine verdict. So, all parties should solve this dispute through the use of Track II diplomacy. Through the process of negotiation and diplomacy, all parties can be in a win-win situation. Hence, it would assist in maintaining the peace and stability of the Asian region and the world.
Conclusion
The dispute in the South China Sea has gained momentum due to the involvement of regional states and the USA. However, through peaceful and amicable channels, such as upholding the decisions of International Bodies, initiating multilateral negotiations, adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), and promoting joint resource development, the dispute in the South China Sea can be resolved.
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