CSS Current Affairs | Measures to De-Escalate Tensions in the South China Sea
The following question of CSS Current Affairs is solved by Amna Zafar 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 main issue over the South China Sea
- Case in point: According to the US Energy Information Administration Report 2017, this area contains around 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 12 billion barrels of oil reserves.
3-Measures taken to promote peace in the South China Sea
- ✓ Distribution of territorial water
- Case in point: United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (1958-82)
- ✓ Arbitral tribunal ruling
- Case in point: In 2016, an Arbitral tribunal gave a ruling in favour of the Philippines against China
- ✓ Negotiations on the code of conduct of countries involved
- Case in point: ASEAN hopes to conclude the code of conduct of parties of the South China Sea by 2026
4- Steps proposed to make SCS a Sea of peace and cooperation
- ✓ China proposed South China Sea Peace Initiative
- ✓ Strong political will of leaders
- Case in point: The Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China stated in 2020 that “China is willing to settle the conflict by peaceful means through direct dialogue and consultation by parties directly involved.”
- ✓ Collective efforts of regional powers to maintain stability and peace
5- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Due to its geopolitical and strategic location, the South China Sea has been an area of significant concern for a long time. It extends from the Strait of Malacca to the Strait of Taiwan. It holds significance for the world’s busiest trade route, as over 80 per cent of the world’s trade travels through the SCS. Untapped natural gas and oil resources make this conflict even more significant between the user states. Countries around the South China Sea want territorial control over the Sea due to its economic, geopolitical and strategic location.
Understanding the main issue over the South China Sea
The main dispute over SCS is territorial. China historically claims the sovereignty and territory of the whole area within its nine-dash lines. Vietnam claims the islands of Spratly and Parcel, whereas the Philippines refutes the claims of China and both legally and historically claims Spratly and Scarborough Shoal. Similarly, Malaysia wants territorial water around it, and some of the Spratly Islands and Brunei claim the Sea around its boundary. Apart from this, SCS is a major trading route. According to the US Energy Information Administration Report 2017, this contains around 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 12 billion barrels of oil reserves. Additionally, it has the world’s most prosperous reef systems and fish species, constituting more than 12 per cent of world fishing. Apart from geopolitical significance, it is of great economic, strategic, and environmental importance to all user states.
Measures taken to promote peace in the South China Sea
There have been numerous international efforts to maintain peace in this area, regardless of how successful or unsuccessful that would have been. The US has shown great interest in this region despite having no share in the South China Sea. International bodies like the UN and ASEAN have shown interest in playing a role in the escalating tension between China and southeastern countries regarding the South China Sea.
- ✓ Distribution of territorial water
United Nations conference was first held in 1958 to legalise the distribution of international waters. At its third conference in 1978, the United Nations Conference on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS III) finalized the legal document called the Constitution for the Oceans. Although it didn’t provide provisions to the conflicting claims of the sovereignty of the Sea, it Legally fixed different zone calculations, maritime zones, and user states rights within these zones. It was done to avoid conflicts over the maritime zones and the state’s rights.
- ✓ Arbitral tribunal ruling
When the negotiations bore no fruit between the Philippines and China over SCS, the Philippines decided to present its case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration. China didn’t participate in it, and in 2016, the tribunal favoured the Philippines, stating that China’s nine-dash line and historical claim of the South China Sea has no legal basis. China rejected this award. Although the ruling didn’t mitigate escalation in the tensions over SCS, it still holds great significance, and the Philippines has made this ruling a base for claiming its rights to resources.
- ✓Negotiations on the code of conduct of countries involved
The code of Conduct of the parties involved refers to a framework of rules consisting of international principles and norms, including UNCLOS, to make this area stable and peaceful. In 2018, ASEAN and China aimed to finalize talks by 2021 on a code of conduct, but COVID-19 slowed the process. In a recent development, ASEAN hopes to wrap up the negotiations over SCS by 2026. China has also shown a willingness to resolve this conflict through multilateral talks. Once the Code of Conduct is finalized, the world can expect peace and stability over SCS.
Steps proposed to make SCS a Sea of peace and cooperation
- ✓ China proposed South China Sea Peace Initiative
China proposed the South China Sea Peace Initiative after the successful East China Sea Peace Treaty. China suggested that all concerned parties respect the spirit and principles of relevant International laws and refrain from unilateral action by any concerned party that might increase tension. To have bilateral talks and protect the peace and stability of the area. China has shown interest in solving the dispute through international laws and diplomatic negotiations between the concerned countries.
- ✓Strong political will of leaders
The solid political will of the countries’ leaders can de-escalate the rising tensions over SCS. In 2016, the Philippines and China had bilateral talks on the mechanism of the South China Sea, but this only lasted for two years. Direct communication between these countries is crucial to minimise the risk and build trust. The Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China stated in 2020 that “China is willing to settle the conflict by peaceful means through direct dialogue and consultation by parties directly involved .” Diplomatic talks and political will to maintain peace in this area are essential.
- ✓ Collective efforts of regional powers to maintain stability and peace
Apart from International bodies like ASEAN and the UN, powers like the US can play a role in negotiating between China and southeastern countries over SCS. As an ally of the Philippines and other concerned parties, the US can resolve this dispute peacefully. The US should consider its Freedom of Navigation operations in the South China Sea and should reaffirm China’s rights on the Sea. Collective efforts of regional powers can bring stability and peace in this area. The US cannot resolve this dispute singlehandedly.
Conclusion
The South China Sea is of great economic, environmental, geopolitical, and strategic importance for the countries around it. If it isn’t resolved promptly, this dispute can threaten World War III. In sum, all the concerned parties should act in accordance with international laws and principles. A peaceful political solution can be a win-win for all the states involved. Military crossovers and violent incidents should be discouraged, and regional powers should try to negotiate to come to a peaceful agreement over SCS.
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