SOUTH CHINA DISPUTE

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.economist.com/asia/2024/09/10/the-scary-new-map-of-the-south-china-sea

Context:

Vietnam and the Philippines are strengthening their defence ties in the South China Sea in response to China's territorial aggressiveness and geopolitical tension.

About the South China Sea

• The South China Sea is located in the Western Pacific Ocean.
• It shares borders with China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.
• It links to the East China Sea via the Taiwan Strait, the Philippine Sea via the Luzon Strait, the Sulu Sea via the straits surrounding Palawan, and the Java Sea by the Karimata and Bangka Straits.
• The South China Sea Islands are a collection of small uninhabited islands, islets, reefs and seamounts that several countries have rival sovereignty claims over.

The South China Sea (SCS) Dispute

• The South China Sea is a highly volatile maritime territory with tremendous strategic value and plentiful natural resources.
  • • It is one of the world's busiest maritime routes, accounting for 64% of the goods moved in 2022.
• China's disputed "nine-dash line" claims the entire sea, sparking tensions with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
• China's strategic dominance continues to expand through artificial islands and military outposts.
• Vietnam and the Philippines have opposed China's actions, and the new diplomatic moves highlighted a more coordinated approach.
  • • Vietnam and the Philippines signed "letters of intent" to strengthen their cooperation in maritime security and disaster response.
    • The pact aims to strengthen collaborative efforts to protect territorial waterways against Chinese naval actions.
    • Both countries committed to resolving differences peacefully under international law, showing their preference for diplomatic means over armed conflict.

India’s role in the South China Sea

• India is increasing its engagement with countries in conflict with China in the South China Sea, such as the Philippines and Vietnam.
• In 2019, India participated in combined naval exercises with the United States, Japan, and the Philippines.
  • • It was India's first military engagement in the South China Sea.
• India strengthened its naval relationships with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• In 2023, Indian warships participated in a multinational naval exercise with ASEAN Countries In the South China Sea.
• India's military assistance has also increased with the agreement to export 100 BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles to the Philippines.
• India's influence in the South China Sea is limited by a lack of alliances.
  • • India lacks a strong network of military allies in the region, limiting its direct influence.
• India’s strategic objective is to strengthen its dominance over the Indian Ocean and maintain a non-aligned position in the South China Sea.

India’s Interest in the South China Sea

• India's increased engagement in the South China Sea is influenced by its geopolitical strategy, trade and navigation, energy resources, and the US partnership.
• Southeast Asia is critical for India's traditional area of influence, and rising tensions in the South China Sea could disrupt regional stability.
  • • India aims to prevent conflicts from spilling over into the Indian Ocean region.
• The South China Sea is an important route for global trade, and a significant portion of India's foreign trade also passes through the Malacca Strait, which connects the Andaman Sea with the South China Sea.
• To diversify its energy sources and increase its regional influence, India has been involved in oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, particularly in partnership with Vietnam.
• The US's efforts to strengthen its partnership with India, particularly in the Quad (an informal strategic alliance involving the US, Japan, India, and Australia), match with India's strategic interests.
  • • The US can be a strong partner for India in counterbalancing China's rise in the Indo-Pacific region.

Way Forward

• India aims to continue expanding its influence in the South China Sea by increasing regional engagement through stronger trade and defence links with ASEAN member nations.
  • • This expansion has the potential to internationalise the South China Sea conflict, which will help in counterbalancing China's aggressive stand in the region.
• India could utilise its involvement in the South China Sea to counter China's influence along the Indo-China border.
• India's main focus on maintaining and strengthening its supremacy in the Indian Ocean region, and its efforts in the South China Sea are supplementary to its goal.

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Source:

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